NCJ Number
117999
Date Published
1989
Length
87 pages
Annotation
Data from a national survey of current drug treatment programs for prison inmates and a review of evaluations of past and current programs formed the basis of these discussions and recommendations for funding decisionmakers and planners of correctional programs for drug treatment.
Abstract
The main reasons for developing such programs are the large proportion of inmate drug abusers, the need to reduce future crimes committed by these offenders, and the many managerial benefits that such programs produce for prison administrators. The four effective programs identified in the research are the Cornerstone Program in Oregon, the Lantana Program in Florida, the Simon Fraser University Prison Education Program in British Columbia, and the Stay'n Out Program in New York. These programs all reported relatively low rates of recidivism among program participants. Characteristics common to the four programs included their treatment of inmates heavily involved in drug use and serious criminality, their use of comprehensive approaches, the use of providers from other professions who are able to work within security regulation, the inclusion of practical life skills, and the use of formal or informal aftercare. Barriers to establishing a program include resource constraints, staff resistance, inmate resistance, and changes in priorities. Addressing these issues and establishing an effective program requires negotiation and attention to funding, program selection, housing, participant selection, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Case descriptions, chapter notes, appended background information and addresses, and 51 references.