This study examined whether “strengths-based case management” of parolees increased their participation in community-based substance-abuse treatment, improved access to needed social services, and reduced drug use, crime, and HIV risk outcomes.
As distinguished by Rapp and Wintersteen (1989), “strengths-based case management” features the following six features: 1) a focus on client strengths rather than pathology or deficits; 2) the relationship between the case manager and client as a central component; 3) interventions and services are determined by the needs and desires of the client; 4) aggressive outreach by the case manager as the preferred mode of intervention; 5) case manager assistance based in the belief the client can learn and experience positive change; and 6) community-based resources are the primary source of client services and support. The current evaluation of this strength-based parole model involved multi-site participants in the Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies (CJ-DATS) cooperative funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Male and female inmates in four states (n – 912) were randomly assigned to receive either Transitional Case Management (TCM), based on strengths=based principles, or standard parole services (SR group). Data were collected at baseline and at 3 and 9 months following release from prison. In contrast to positive findings in earlier studies of strengths-based case management with mental-health and drug-abusing clients, the current evaluation found no significant differences between parolees in the TCM group and the SR group on outcomes related to participation in drug abuse treatment, receipt of social services, or drug use, crime, and HIV risk behaviors. Possible reasons for these findings and suggestions for modifications in the intervention for future research are discussed. 6 tables, 1 figure, and 60 references