NCJ Number
114266
Date Published
1988
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The substance abuse treatment program of the Washington State Department of Corrections was evaluated in terms of the frequency of prison rule infractions and the returns to prison for inmates taking part during the program's first year, which started in March 1984.
Abstract
The analysis compared 693 program participants and 263 nonparticipants who were released by parole or sentence expiration between December 1983 and March 1984. Overall, the frequency of infractions was less after treatment than before. Although the frequency of substance-use infractions was not significantly reduced after program participation, the frequency of other major infractions declined significantly. In addition, a significantly smaller proportion of the treatment participants returned to prison within 2 years of release. Feedback from program participants and community corrections officers indicated that several of the program's early aspects needed improvement. Many of them have been modified. Continual monitoring has helped in identifying program deficits and making needed changes. The program monitoring system that has been recently implemented will enhance the efforts of the Department of Corrections to evaluate both the process and the outcomes of the program on an ongoing basis. Footnotes, table, and program form.