NCJ Number
98350
Date Published
1985
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This overview of the Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC) Program, which focuses on the community-based treatment of drug-abusing offenders, presents the program goal and objectives, critical program elements, implementation steps and issues, and program results.
Abstract
TASC identifies substance-abusing offenders, refers them to community treatment resources, and monitors the offenders' treatment. The program aims to decrease the burden on criminal justice agencies caused by alcohol and drug dependent offenders and recidvists. One objective is to provide information on which to base pretrial release, diversion, sentencing, and parole conditions for substance-abusing offenders. Critical program elements include planning, development of eligibility criteria, establishment of assessment and referral mechanisms, and monitoring of participants' progress. Program implementation involves an assessment of need for the program, a survey of available community treatment resources, and support building. The major thrust of TASC in recent years has been its statewide implementation. Results have included a reduction of alcohol and drug medical crises in jails and a reduction in recidivsm among treated offenders. Sources for further information are listed.