NCJ Number
134296
Date Published
1991
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Inmate drug treatment in correctional institutions operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) was studied using data on the number of Federal inmates needing drug treatment, BOP's strategy for providing drug treatment to them, access to treatment, and costs.
Abstract
Results showed that about half of Federal inmates may need drug treatment, but few are receiving it. As of April 1, 1991, only 364 of the estimated 27,000 inmates with moderate to severe drug abuse problems were receiving treatment in the intensive residential programs and less than half the treatment slots were filled. In addition, aftercare services are not in place. BOP did not conduct an active outreach program to encourage more inmates to receive treatment and only recently has hired an aftercare coordinator. Moreover, services needed by inmates with less serious drug abuse problems are not available in all prisons. Despite the problems being experiences, BOP plans to expand its treatment program, with costs increasing from an estimated $7.2 million in 1990 to $21.8 million in 1992. Recommended actions include an extensive outreach effort and provision for aftercare treatment services for released inmates and for education and counseling services in all prisons. Appended methodological information and tables showing results