African American Participants' Views on Racial Disparities in Drug Court Outcomes

• NCJ Number: 243359
• Journal: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: April - June 2013 Pages: 143-162
• Author(s): John R. Gallagher, Ph.D., L.S.W.
• Date Published: June 2013
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the factors that might contribute to racial disparities in drug court outcomes.

Abstract

This qualitative study with 14 African-American participants of a Texas drug court explored the factors that might contribute to racial disparities in drug court outcomes. The findings suggest that the factors that might contribute to racial disparities in outcomes include African-American participants' (a) beliefs that drug court sanctions were not implemented in a culturally sensitive manner; (b) dissatisfaction with being mandated to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings; (c) perceptions that they were not offered enough resources to gain and maintain employment; (d) views that they were not receiving individualized treatment; and (e) beliefs that they can relate better to other African-American clients and staff members. Implications for policy advocacy, future research, and social work practice are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.