NCJ Number
153702
Date Published
1992
Length
52 pages
Annotation
A sample of 146 probation and parole officers in Minnesota were surveyed concerning the treatment needs of substance abusing offenders on probation or parole and in the State's correctional facilities. The study also determined whether existing resources can or do provide the necessary treatment for these individuals.
Abstract
According to the survey results, 60 percent of offenders on their caseloads had been screened or assessed for chemical use problems. Of those, 66 percent were found to be chemically abusive or dependent. Local correctional officials reported that 37 percent of inmates in the surveyed facilities had been screened or assessed for drug abuse, and 83 percent had tested positive. Many offenders being held in a facility for a short time were not assessed for chemical dependence. Approximately one-third of parolees or probationers who were chemically abusive were in a licensed treatment program at the time of this survey; another 27 percent were in other treatment programs. Lack of a court order for treatment, unwillingness of the offender to participate, lack of funding, and security problems were the most common reasons why supervised and incarcerated offenders did not receive treatment. This report recommends that the State legislate a standardized chemical assessment process for offenders to be conducted before sentencing in order to ensure that they are referred to appropriate treatment as part of a sentence. 17 figures and 2 appendixes