NCJ Number
195212
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: Fall 2001 Pages: 121-130
Date Published
2001
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study determined if client characteristics affected selected private alternative probation and counseling program outcomes.
Abstract
Private alternative probation and counseling programs are organized to lower recidivism rates, offer a mechanism to track misdemeanor cases, and provide services at no additional cost to taxpayers. It may be beneficial from both a cost-effectiveness perspective and from a diversion perspective to examine the types of offender characteristics that are associated with specific program outcomes. The client characteristic predictor variables in this study included sex, race, previous arrest, previous alcohol and drug treatment, employment status, income, and age. The six program outcome variables included fees owed, client violations, the number of failed drug tests, warrant status, number of sessions missed, or bench warrants. This study included 475 clients admitted to a private, for-profit probation and counseling alternative program between November 1, 1998 and February 28, 1999. All study group members were misdemeanants, with the majority being sentenced to this program by judges. The other clients were sentenced by other courts in the area or were self-referrals who entered the program before having ordered to do so by the court. The subjects tended to be male, white, employed, and had not undergone any previous treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. Results showed that race, previous alcohol and drug treatment, and employment status were significant indicators for certain types of program success. Between 58 and 90 percent of the clients demonstrated appropriate and positive behaviors. Proper screening and assessment can match offenders with appropriate treatments. This would help programs be cost-effective and divert clients who can be helped away from prison. 3 tables, 12 references