NCJ Number
252559
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 62 Issue: 2 Dated: 2018 Pages: 291-312
Date Published
2018
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Since the purpose of drug courts is to break the cycle of substance use and crime by providing a community-based intervention to individuals with criminal justice involvement and substance-related issues, this study examined recidivism over a 2-year follow-up period, as well as factors associated with recidivism for a sample of drug court participants (i.e., graduates and terminators) and a non-equivalent comparison group (i.e., individuals referred/assessed for the program who did not enter it).
Abstract
In the 2-year follow-up, fewer drug court graduates had any convictions compared with program terminators and referrals; specifically, fewer drug court graduates had drug trafficking convictions compared with program terminators and referrals. Fewer graduates were arrested and incarcerated in jail and/or prison in the 2-year follow-up; and graduates had spent less time incarcerated than program terminators and referrals. Demographics (i.e., age, race, marital status) and prior criminal justice system involvement were associated with recidivism; however, these factors had differential impacts for the three groups (i.e., graduates, terminators, and referrals). Thus, drug court shows promise as a community-based intervention that helps keep individuals out of the criminal justice system during a 2-year follow-up period. (publisher abstract modified)