NCJ Number
110455
Date Published
1987
Length
13 pages
Annotation
After providing general information about drug users in Dutch penal institutions, this study profiles a sample of addicted offenders who entered seven remand centers during 1979 and 1980, describes the operation and evaluation of two remand center pilot drug projects, and outlines recent developments in Dutch policy regarding drug users in penal facilities.
Abstract
In response to the large percentage (20-30 percent) of drug users entering the criminal justice system, two pilot projects were established in the remand centers (pretrial detention and short-term sentences) in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Their goals have been to develop alternatives to pretrial detention; provide medical and social care for drug abusers, particularly during the withdrawal period; and establish or consolidate contacts between addicts and public health organizations or social services. The evaluation profiled every incoming drug user in seven remand centers in the western part of the Netherlands, including one institution for women and one for juvenile offenders. This was designed to provide general information about the drug using institutional population during 1 year. A subsample of 92 drug-using inmates from the Amsterdam and Rotterdam institutions were interviewed about their background and attitudes toward participation in the experimental program. Inmates were generally favorable toward the inhouse drug programs, but the diversion component was not sufficiently developed. Outcomes after release were not determined. The stationing of drug treatment staff in the remand centers has expanded, as has the number of facility special units for drug users during withdrawal. 5 references.