NCJ Number
169926
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 77 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1997) Pages: 168-183
Date Published
1997
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Panel data from a sample of 300 offenders released from Delaware prisons were used to examine the impacts of the assertive community treatment (ACT) program established in 1990 to ease the transition of drug-involved inmates into the community by providing both drug treatment and case management services.
Abstract
The participants were randomly assigned to either the ACT program or to regular probation and work-release supervision. A multivariate path model was used to predict the frequency of illicit drug use 18 months after release from prison. Results revealed no direct effects of the ACT program, but they suggested indirect effects of ACT assignment on subsequent illicit drug use through intermediate factors such as retention in treatment, improved self-esteem, and making an individualized treatment program helpful to clients. The data also suggested the importance of reducing relapse to alcohol, a gateway drug. Findings suggest that the length of time in treatment, the degree of involvement in treatment, and improvement in self-attitudes predict successful outcomes. Thus, methods of engaging, retaining, and rewarding clients in treatment should be further developed. Tables, figure, and 36 references (Author abstract modified)