RSAT Programs for Young Offenders in California: A Descriptive Study

• NCJ Number: 203401
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 37 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2003 Pages: 123-137
• Author(s): Angela Hegamin; David Farabee
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Based on qualitative data collected from program administrators and wards at three institution-based substance abuse treatment programs in California, this study identified drug treatment issues unique to corrections-based residential drug treatment programs for youthful offenders.

Abstract

All of the programs had received funding from the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Formula Grant Program (RSAT). A process evaluation was conducted beginning in 1998 in order to determine the extent to which program activities and services had achieved the RSAT enhancements and to assess the effectiveness of each program's implementation. As part of this evaluation, semistructured interviews were conducted with administrative staff, and focus groups were conducted with wards at each of the three programs. Four themes emerged that have important implications for the delivery of substance abuse treatment in youth correctional settings: screening/assessment, quality and intensity of services, appropriateness of program elements, and anticipated problems once paroled. The issues that were identified were consistent across programs and, in many cases, between program administrators and wards. Although most program administrators believed that the initial screening and referral process was adequate, some expressed frustration that these determinations were made by the parole board rather than by trained clinicians. Once at the treatment facility, the administration and use of psychological assessments varied considerably by program. Issues regarding treatment intensity pertained to its quality and quantity, which are linked to training and competing job duties and caseloads, respectively. Wards were sensitive to the differences between themselves and actors in the drug education videos. Virtually all of the wards expressed a strong preference for personal testimonies from persons in recovery from drug addiction with backgrounds similar to their own. Wards expressed concerns about their ability to abstain from using drugs once released from custody. 3 tables and 13 references