NCJ Number
112941
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1988) Pages: 17-27
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This 1988 study presents followup data on 78 probationers analyzed in a 1970 study of the caseload of the East Boston probation department's drug specialist.
Abstract
Of the 84 probationers originally supervised by the drug specialist, 6 were excluded from the followup study because their old data or current records were unavailable. Primary data were obtained from criminal justice records, and in some cases there was a home and family followup. Findings indicate that supervision of a manageable caseload by a drug specialist familiar with probationer drug problems and treatment resources can have a significant positive impact on probationers over the long term. Sixty-eight percent of the probationers had significant success in avoiding law violations. Thirty-three percent were essentially free of recidivism. Fourteen percent of the probationers experienced early, sometimes violent deaths, and 18 percent manifested continuing crime or constant problems. Those with continuing problems tended to be younger and users of heroin and barbiturates. Such persons should receive longer and more intense probationary supervision. Brief reviews of the histories of each probationer and 2 references.