NCJ Number
168775
Journal
The Advocate Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1996) Pages: 92-97
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article explores the enhancement of drug abuse treatment (DAT) under criminal justice system authority and describes the DAT program developed in Kenton County, Kentucky.
Abstract
The criminal justice system has a large number of drug abusers, with many adults and juveniles indicating they were using drugs at the time of their arrest. Data from 25 cities participating in the Drug Use Forecasting System show about 60 percent of arrestees were using a drug other than alcohol at the time of their arrest. Many drug abusers in treatment are involved with the criminal justice system; they are frequently on probation, parole, or mandatory release. Because studies show DAT reduces future involvement in the criminal justice system, several drug treatment diversion activities are noted: (1) the criminal justice system provides an environment for identifying potential drug abuse clients; (2) probation and parole can enhance behavioral contingencies; (3) the criminal justice system can capitalize on establishing a working relationship with DAT programs to decrease drug use; (4) compulsory treatment in the form of civil commitment can reduce intravenous drug abuse but should not be considered a panacea; (5) court referral to DAT generally increases the length of time drug abusers remain in treatment; and (6) linking DAT and the criminal justice system can help disrupt the addiction life cycle and decrease drug abuse. The Kentucky Department of Corrections has explored several alternatives to incarceration for drug offenders, in particular the DAT program in Kenton County. The DAT program aims to expedite drug cases, to provide appropriate interventions and treatments for drug offenders involved in the drug-crime cycle, and to improve case processing. 26 references