NCJ Number
86113
Date Published
1982
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The addition of full-time employment specialists to the staff of drug abuse treatment programs can result in significantly greater client retention and a significantly greater decrease in drug use.
Abstract
A study using two different models was conducted in 1978-80 in Chicago, Detroit, and New Jersey to examine the impact of employment specialists on clinic functioning and client outcomes. The first model provided for a full-time employment specialist located at an individual clinic, while the second model had a specialist serving as a consultant to a group of three clinics. A total of 39 clinics representing outpatient drug-free, residential drug-free, and methadone maintenance programs participated. At least five clinics representing one modality were selected in each of the three cities. Each clinic was then assigned to one of the experimental conditions. The three clinic groups did not differ significantly in terms of program or client variables measured. Figures, tables, and 14 references are included. (Author summary modified)