NCJ Number
149544
Date Published
1994
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This report surveyed the drug use patterns of 996 Levels I through V offenders in the Delaware correctional system and proposed an integrated approach to drug treatment.
Abstract
The sample was representative of the Delaware offender population; all subjects responded to the Offender Profile Index (OPI) and supplied urine samples for drug detection. The results indicated that drug use was high among all levels of offenders and emphasized the need for substance abuse treatment. In fact, most offenders who needed treatment had little treatment exposure. The most heavily drug-involved population was probation violators with a 70 percent need for residential treatment. Based on these findings and on criminal justice research, the report recommends compulsory drug treatment for offenders, long- term client aftercare and drug monitoring, and a careful matching of treatment program and offender. The Treatment Access Committee intends to construct a comprehensive system of treatment, support services, and case management over the next three to five years. It will include both prison-based and community-based services. The goal is to provide comprehensive, accountable services for 10 percent of the criminal population by the year 2000. Statistical charts and the OPI are included.