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Contingency Management in Drug Courts: Research and Resources

NCJ Number
242410
Author(s)
Maxine Stitzer, Ph.D.
Date Published
July 2011
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This presentation provides information to guide each participating court through the implementation of an individualized Contingency Management (CM) protocol.
Abstract
Contingency Management (CM) interventions use systematic reinforcement with rewards (or punishment) to alter problem behaviors, usually substance use, in offenders. Rewards have been used widely in clinical treatment programs. They have been shown to successfully change targeted behaviors of substance abusers, including decreasing the number of positive drug tests and increasing treatment attendance. Topics discussed include: principles of behavior change; positive reinforcement, value added in criminal justice; target behaviors; methods used to reinforce sustained behavior change; whether CM is feasible in a drug or problem solving court. Also discussed is whether positive CM would improve outcomes in a drug court setting; research in drug courts; drug courts are making a difference; drug court outcomes can be improved; research on positive incentives; where to deliver CM; research on risk levels; risk level makes a difference; suggested targets for intensive monitoring and/or CM; principles of CM in drug and problem solving courts and goals.