Evaluation of Compliance and Process Description of the Care About Now (CAN) Program

• NCJ Number: 73553
• Author(s): P S Jones
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 34 pages
• Corporate Author: Massachusetts Dept of Correction
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A program for substance abusers in adult correctional facilities in Massachusetts is described and evaluated in terms of its achievement of program objectives.

Abstract

The LEAA-funded Care About Now (CAN) agency was given the responsibility of screening substance abusers from Residential Diagnostic Center (RDC) referrals and recommendations. It was also charged with training correctional staff to identify abusers track client progress, and follow through on clients' needs. CAN's clients are primarily alcohol abusers, although some use both alcohol and drugs. The program has a staff of two: a program coordinator and a substance abuse specialist who doubles as a monitor/trainer. Twenty-five program participants formed the target group of this study. In any evaluation of the program's achievements, this group was compared with a control group, which was matched against the prominent characteristics of the CAN group. Evaluation data were gathered from the RDC case folders, central office record folders, and CAN record folders. The small sample size and short followup period precluded the measurement of CAN's impact on its target group. Nevertheless, the program did accept 25 of the 72 residents referred to it for screening. Over two-thirds of the clients were screened, evaluated, and accepted into the program within 3 weeks of the client's arrival at RDC. Three-fifths of the CAN group needed legal assistance compared to 32 percent of the control group. CAN referred four clients to the staff psychologist for further evaluation; none of the control group members were referred. CAN's main difficulties concerned clients' legal problems and special health treatment needs. The positive response to CAN's staff training workshop indicated that both administrators and direct service staff approve of CAN. It is concluded that CAN has achieved all of its program objectives, and the Department of Corrections has attained its goal of finding a treatment model that addresses the total needs of the substance abuser. Expansion of the program to other institutions should be seriously considered.