NCJ Number
75978
Date Published
1980
Length
72 pages
Annotation
The results of a performance audit of the Treatment Alternatives to Street Crimes (TASC) programs in Pima and Maricopa Counties (Arizona) are presented.
Abstract
TASC programs generally perform three basic functions: identifying drug abusers in contact with the criminal justice system and offering those eligible the opportunity of TASC participation, diagnosing the drug abuser's problems and treatment needs and recommending appropriate treatment, and monitoring the performance of TASC clients to ensure compliance with program criteria. The audit of the Pima and Maricopa County TASC programs revealed no significant difference in recidivism between Maricopa County TASC clients and a comparable non-TASC group, although a higher rate of recidivism was noted among Pima County TASK clients than among a comparable non-TASC group. The difference in recidivism between the two programs appears to be caused by the fact that Pima County has used residential care as a treatment modality far more extensively than Maricopa County and that Maricopa County is far more restrictive than Pima County regarding TASC eligibility. The audit found a need within both programs for formal written criteria regarding client terminations. Recommendations are (1) that the director of the Pima County TASC program consider referring TASC clients to residential treatment programs only after other drug treatment options have been exhausted and adopting a more stringent TASC eligibility requirements and (2) that the directors of the TASC programs and the Statewide TASC coordinator develop formal, written criteria regarding client terminations. A statistical profile of Pima County TASC clients and the results of a survey of persons involving in the Maricopa and Pima County criminal justice systems are included. Twenty-three tables accompany the text. Five appendixes include a TASC client form and card, a sample of the survey form, and a glossary of terms.