NCJ Number
151533
Date Published
1994
Length
105 pages
Annotation
This document provides brief overviews of substance abuse treatment programs serving female and youthful offenders; the descriptions include program highlight, personnel, and program effectiveness information.
Abstract
Programs for female and youthful offenders in Pennsylvania, Alabama, California, Connecticut, Oregon, Missouri, Washington, Minnesota, and Georgia are described. Program highlights include information on why the program was established, client assessment and referral, unique aspects of the assessment and treatment process, treatment and intervention modalities, sharing of offender information, and continuity of care. Personnel information is provided on treatment staff certification, inservice training, cross-training of nonsubstance abuse treatment staff, volunteers, and the use of ex-offenders. Program effectiveness is assessed in terms of variables that enhance the program or cause difficulties. Most of the substance abuse treatment programs are centered around some form of therapeutic community, combined with 12-step groups, education, and aftercare. Program designs tend to be based on treating the whole person to address cognitive, lifestyle, and environmental factors that perpetuate the cycle of drugs and crimes. Program staffing is considered to be a critical variable, especially staff commitment to individual offender progress and program goals. The common impetus for designing substance abuse treatment programs for women was the increasing rate of incarcerated females, particularly those convicted of drug-related crimes. Substance abuse treatment programs for youthful offenders were developed primarily in response to the increase in violent crimes committed by young women. An index of 11 programs for women and two programs for youth is included.