NCJ Number
224115
Journal
Drug Court Review Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: 2008 Pages: 33-66
Date Published
2008
Length
34 pages
Annotation
In an attempt to better understand the ability of the drug court model to achieve its objectives in a variety of circumstances; this study explored the characteristics and outcomes among seven adult and three juvenile drug courts across Ohio.
Abstract
The overall evaluation results are promising. The findings indicate that clients who receive drug court services, regardless of type of court, fare significantly better as a group than individuals who do not receive drug court services. Drug court clients were rearrested less than their respective comparison groups regardless of court type. Drug courts have played a significant role in the treatment of drug-abusing offenders over the last 15 years. The drug court model developed out of an organizational need for a community-based alternative to incarceration. Drug courts attempt to reduce substance abuse and recidivism through techniques such as monitoring, alternative sanctions, and treatment. Evaluations of drug courts around the country are encouraging; however, not all of the research shows a reduction in rearrest rates. This study attempted to add to the existing literature by providing a multisite impact study of both adult and juvenile drug courts in Ohio. The study examined the differences between drug court and comparison group members along a variety of measures. It assessed whether drug courts were effective in reducing recidivism and identified the factors associated with failure. Tables, figures and references