NCJ Number
82005
Date Published
1981
Length
71 pages
Annotation
This report evaluates the Orleans Parish Prison's Substance Dependency Program (Louisiana), which receives both male and female inmates from the general prison population for medical detoxification and treatment as well as counseling.
Abstract
Because the evaluation covers two separate grant periods, difficulties were encountered in evaluating the program as a whole. The study found that from March through December 1980 the urinalysis machine was not used to the extent sufficient to verify drug use. In addition, the number of participants receiving detoxification treatment dropped alarmingly during November and December. All other goals and objectives were met or exceeded. For the period of January through June 1981, the urinalysis screening was not sufficiently employed, and only 77 percent of the objectives dealing with indepth interviewing and continuity care plan development were met. The objective dealing with presentations to participants by community treatment representatives was completely unmet, and the number of followup contacts after release declined. The report recommends that the urinalysis machine be used regularly, that greater emphasis be placed on interaction with local community treatment facilities, that more women be treated and followup contacts be emphasized, and that more information on the drug-abusing inmate population at the prison be gathered. Program information and forms are appended. Footnotes, tables, and additional recommendations are included. (Author summary modified)