Crossroads: A Community-Based Outpatient and Alternative-to- Incarceration Program for Women Offenders in New York City

• NCJ Number: 152202
• Date Published: 1994
• Author(s): M Natarajan
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): 92-IJ-CX-K108
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

The Crossroads Program represents an effort by New York City officials to redirect women away from criminal careers and to provide viable treatment options for female offenders with a history of drug abuse.

Abstract

The program offers intensive day treatment and places special emphasis on helping pregnant women and women with children. In addition, the program provides a variety of services designed to complement and enhance traditional substance abuse treatment and is specifically oriented toward the special needs of female drug abusers through an individualized, holistic approach. The program targets females who are 16 years of age and older, who have been arrested on felony charges, who have a confirmed drug abuse problem, and who are detained for 14 days or longer. The program has an annual capacity of 100 participants; 34 women have been admitted since 1992. Most clients are crack cocaine addicts with a median age of 29 years. Program components include case management, referral, screening, intake, needs assessment, and matched services. Treatment lasts for 12 months and includes preparation for transition into community-based activities.