NCJ Number
187387
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 32 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 181-195
Editor(s)
Nathaniel J. Pallone Ph.D.
Date Published
2000
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The present study reports on the results of data collected during a series of seven structured relapse prevention (SRP) workshops offered to probation and parole officers (PPOs) in Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
The SRP intervention involves 8 to 12 sessions based on cognitive behavioral treatment in group or individual format. Based on social learning theory, SRP is premised on the notion that strategies effective in initiating a change in drinking or drug use may not be effective in maintaining that change over time. SRP treatment is a two-phased intervention. The first phase introduces clients to powerful techniques designed to initiate and stabilize change, while the second phase focuses on facing client reliance on initiation strategies and substituting maintenance strategies. Following a field test and evaluation of SRP, promotional materials were sent to 133 PPOs in Ontario, Canada, and 151 PPOs responded to the materials and received free training in offering SRP treatment to clients. The 151 PPOs who attended the SRP workshops represented 23.8 percent of 635 PPOs in Ontario as of January 1, 1997. The PPOs who participated in the SRP workshops were asked to complete pre- and post-workshop surveys. Results from survey data demonstrated that, although the majority of PPOs supported the use of substance abuse counseling in probation and parole offices, time and caseload constraints were major obstacles to implementation. The authors believe additional resources and training are needed to help PPOs provide effective counseling support to offenders with substance abuse problems. 28 references and 1 table