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Systematic Outcomes Research for Corrections-Based Treatment: Implications From the Criminal Justice Kentucky Treatment Outcome Study

NCJ Number
229112
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 48 Issue: 8 Dated: November-December 2009 Pages: 710-724
Author(s)
Michele Staton-Tindall; Erin McNees; Carl G. Leukefeld; Robert Walker; LaDonna Thompson; Kevin Pangburn; Carrie B. Oser
Date Published
November 2009
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article describes the innovative systematic data-collection procedure used for evaluating corrections-based substance abuse treatment currently being used in Kentucky, and it reports on treatment outcome data 1 year after release for 700 offenders who completed prison or jail-based treatment.
Abstract
The study findings show positive outcomes for Kentucky corrections-based substance abuse treatment, and findings also show the importance of a systematic data-collection approach in evaluating correctional treatment programs. Regarding outcomes for the prison/jail substance abuse treatment programs, participants who reported any substance use following release from custody were significantly lower at follow-up (43.9 percent) compared to baseline (94.1 percent). In addition there were few differences in substance use at follow-up between offenders who participated in community aftercare compared to those who did not; however, those offenders who participated in aftercare treatment had reduced rates of recidivism within 1 year postrelease. The innovative systematic data-collection approach involves corrections counselors using personal digital assistants (PDAs) to collect and enter clinical assessment data for the baseline period (time of in-prison treatment entry). Follow-up interviews 12 months postrelease were conducted by a university research team with a stratified random sample of 700 offenders. All had enrolled in treatment during the final 6-9 months of their sentence. They had participated in 6 prison and 18 jail programs between April 2005 and June 2007. Follow-up data were obtained through 30-minute phone interviews. 1 figure and 23 references