NCJ Number
173543
Date Published
1995
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the effectiveness of Canada's Offender Substance Abuse Pre-Release (OSAP) program in improving offenders' post-release success and in changing their problematic substance abuse behavior.
Abstract
The OSAP program is a multifaceted, cognitive-behavioral substance abuse intervention program that was developed specifically to address the substance abuse needs of offenders with intermediate to substantial problems. Although not specifically developed for offenders with severe drug and alcohol problems, they are currently accepted into the OSAP program due to the absence of high-intensity treatment options. The evaluation examined both intermediate and post-release outcomes for 317 offenders who completed the program between January 1990 and August 1992. This is an evaluation of the pilot OSAP program that has now been implemented nationally in virtually all correctional Federal institutions. Intermediate program performance was measured by administering a battery of measures to offenders immediately before and after participating in the program. Offenders' post-release performance was examined by following them for an average period of almost 15 months. The findings show that the OSAP program is effective in developing the skills and cognitive abilities necessary to reduce the likelihood of an offender returning to drug and alcohol abuse as well as the likelihood of being readmitted into custody for either a technical violation or for new criminal offenses. 5 tables, 9 figures, and 32 references