NCJ Number
117262
Journal
Federal Probation Quarterly Volume: 53 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 65-72
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Recidivism rates and other results generated during the first year of the Kentucky Substance Abuse Program (KSAP) are examined based on the results of a survey of probation and parole officers.
Abstract
The KSAP was designed to provide services to probation and parole clients with substance abuse problems. A process evaluation of KSAP completed following the first 6 months of program operation showed that KSAP was implemented in an acceptable manner. During the summer of 1986, probation and parole officers in each office served by the program were asked to screen their caseloads for clients with drug or alcohol problems. Officers were then asked to make referrals to KSAP from this list. The evaluation focused on clients who completed KSAP, clients who did not complete the program, and members of a matched comparison group who did not participate in KSAP. The KSAP clients, and particularly program graduates, were a greater risk group in terms of substance abuse history and probability of recidivism than the comparison group. The KSAP graduates had a significantly lower prison incarceration rate, despite their personal attributes which identified them as a greater potential risk than KSAP exits or comparison group members. The KSAP graduates had problems with misdemeanor arrests and convictions for alcohol-related charges after program participation, indicating that followup treatment was needed. The KSAP also demonstrated that it is possible for private programs to offer supplementary services to probationers and parolees without negating officer authority. 20 references, 4 tables.