Evaluation of Oklahoma Drug Courts, 1997-2000

• NCJ Number: 203906
• Author(s): Paul O'Connell M.S.; David Wright Ph.D.; Bob Clymer M.A.
• Date Published: November 2000
• Length: 43 pages
• Grant Number(s): 98-BJ-CX-KOO1
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS); Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
• Corporate Author: Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Ctr
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Ctr
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded on January 6, 2004.

Annotation

This report presents phase II of the analysis of the Oklahoma drug courts with the information collected culminating in a statewide review of seven drug courts, comparing court structure to guidelines published by the National Drug Court Programs office.

Abstract

This report provides the phase II analysis and evaluation of the Oklahoma Drug Court Program including the following courts: Tulsa, Creek, Oklahoma, Pontotoc, Seminole, Pottawatomie, and McClain counties. These courts are designed for adult non-violent felony offenders with a history of substance abuse. The report is a continuation of the statewide evaluation project requested by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS). The report is divided into 10 sections which include: (1) statewide comparisons between the first and second cohorts and the total drug court clientele; (2) current convictions among Oklahoma drug court participants; (3) statewide selected variables for the first and second cohorts and total drug court clientele; (4) recidivism among drug court graduates and comparison group; (5) retention rates for Oklahoma drug courts; (6) comparison between drug court graduates and terminations; (7) drug of choice preference among Oklahoma drug court participants; (8) relapse information for Oklahoma drug court participants; (9) causes and sanctions among drug court participants; and (10) recommendations. Overall, the findings indicate that the Oklahoma drug courts are successful. Data on drug court graduates reveal that when compared to probation offenders not in drug court, fewer graduates were re-arrested. Recommendations presented address some negative signs and include: (1) provide more consideration to pre-graduation release planning, provision of aftercare services, and formal post-program supervision; (2) provide standardized research-based assessments; (3) develop a consistent and integrated management information system (MIS); and (4) consistent and periodic research and evaluation of drug courts. Tables, references, and appendices A-D