NCJ Number
205832
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2004 Pages: 253-263
Editor(s)
Kent B. Joscelyn
Date Published
May 2004
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study describes collaborative linkages and the challenges involved in fostering these linkages between courts and providers of treatment and other services by using semi-structured interview data collected from administrators of 14 drug courts and providers of services.
Abstract
Individuals with substance use disorders have service needs that extend beyond treatment for their drug problems. Addressing the multi-faceted needs of these individuals can enhance treatment retention and outcomes including sobriety and recidivism. The drug court approach was intended to meet the multi-faceted needs by drug offenders receiving drug treatment services plus coordinated and comprehensive programs of other rehabilitation services. There was the notion of collaborative relationships or linkages between drug courts and service providers. However, few studies examined linkages from the perspective of both drug court and provider staff. Using semi-structured interview data collected from drug court program administrators and providers of services to drug court offenders, this study addressed a significant gap in the drug court literature by describing the characteristics of linkages between drug courts and providers and the challenges involved in fostering linkages. Fourteen drug court programs participated in the study. All 14 drug courts could identify a substance abuse treatment provider; other services, such as mental health services, and primary care were more sparsely provided through drug court programs. The information resulting from this study should be of value ultimately in enhancing linkages and thus in improving quality of drug court treatment and offender outcomes. References