NCJ Number
217145
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 38-41
Date Published
June 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development and current status of the National Substance Abuse Programs (NSAP), which are programs designed by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to provide coordinated and comprehensive substance abuse programming for offenders.
Abstract
In response to an evaluation of the substance abuse programming provided to inmates by the CSC during the mid-1980s, a design team was formed to develop new substance abuse programming. The team worked with regional experts and an international expert on treating substance abuse and crime to develop the NSAP, which is essentially three new programs: (1) NSAP-high, an 89-session, high-intensity program for severe substance abuse problems; (2) NSAP-moderate, a 26-session program for moderate substance abuse problems; and (3) NSAP-low, a 10-session, low-intensity, community-based program for minor substance abuse problems. The NSAP targets offenders whose substance abuse has directly contributed to their offense patterns. Eligible offenders comprise approximately half (48 percent) of the male institutional offender population. Under the NSAP model, inmates participate in continuous institutional and community maintenance programming based on their level of risk and need. Pre-release booster classes are required no more than 3 months prior to release to help offenders rehearse their prevention plans and develop strategies for high-risk situations in the community. Each intensity level program follows the same four program phases: (1) “Deciding What I Would Like to Change;” (2) “Improving the Odds: Understanding and Learning How to Manage Risk;” (3) "Learning the Tools for Change: Expanding my Options;” and (4) “Using the Skills and Planning for my Future.” In general, the programming is focused less on educational goals and more on skill development and practice. Participants evaluate their own program progress in order to reinforce the importance of self-maintenance. Full program implementation of the NSAP was achieved in 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 witnessed the highest level of enrollments in accredited substance abuse programs across Canada’s Federal correctional institutions. 5 notes