NCJ Number
75198
Date Published
1978
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The strengths and weaknesses of the criminal justice and drug treatment systems are examined to determine if the strengths of each system can interface to assist in the rehabilitation of criminal offenders.
Abstract
Although the criminal justice system is viewed as very strong in coercive motivation of clients in moving them into treatment and accountability for results, it does not help its high-risk clients develop an adequate array of coping skills. The drug abuse treatment system, on the other hand, is characterized as strong in habilitative and treatment areas, but unable to recruit those needing treatment or to keep them in treatment. Drug abuse treatment personnel and corrections personnel operating similar programs within an institutional setting should become familiar with the operation of each other's programs in order to effectively use the strengths of each. Treatment modalities within the corrections and drug abuse treatment settings that could effectively interface with each other are noted, such as various 'inside' therapeutic communities, work release programs, and 'outside' community-based treatment programs. Case management, unit management, and ad hoc diversion programs are defined. A description of the criminal justice system identifies various points at which the offender can be referred to noninstitutional drug abuse prevention training programs to show the range of interaction points between criminal justice and drug abuse prevention. In addition, the steps or functions accomplished by a diversion worker in leading a client through the diversion process are identified. It is concluded that structural similarities in drug abuse prevention and criminal justice exist in the areas of crisis, intervention, corrective action, reentry, and community adjustment.