NCJ Number
187383
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 32 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 105-127
Editor(s)
Nathaniel J. Pallone Ph.D.
Date Published
2000
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This paper presents findings from a process evaluation conducted in a prison-based substance abuse program (SAP) in Kentucky.
Abstract
The SAP at the Kentucky State Reformatory in LaGrange includes activities that focus on relapse prevention, errors in thinking, 12 steps, drug education, and aftercare. The program has three treatment phases: (1) orientation of clients to the program and assessing the extent of drug abuse; (2) actual drug abuse treatment; and (3) assistance for clients to help them apply what they have learned and focus on transitional issues clients will likely face after release from prison. The SAP process evaluation included interviews with SAP administrative staff, counselors, and participants. Each structured interview lasted about 2 hours and included 30 open-ended questions. Interviews were designed to document program structure and service delivery; characteristics of the treatment facility, staff, and clients; client-staff interactions and attitudes toward the treatment process; client-staff satisfaction with program elements; staff functions, including activities related to referral, treatment planning, counseling, client and family education, and medical services; and transition into the community. Eight SAP participants and two SAP staff were interviewed. Findings from the process evaluation indicated the prison-based program worked for clients who were committed to recovery. Motivation and commitment appeared to be problems for some clients, since some merely wanted to appease the parole board. Both clients and staff indicated SAP accomplishments included an expanded curriculum, an extension of time in treatment, and improved program selection criteria. The process evaluation determined that future program changes should include curriculum modifications, pre-treatment institutional classes, and continued improvements in SAP screening and assessment criteria. Appendixes contain the program administrator, client, and staff interview questions. 7 references and 1 table