NCJ Number
186813
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse: An International Interdisciplinary Forum Volume: 35 Issue: 12-14 Dated: 2000 Pages: 2127-2159
Date Published
2000
Length
33 pages
Annotation
To determine why some women offenders complete prison-based drug user treatment and others leave early, clients' (n=101) perceptions of various aspects of the quality of the treatment experience were compared.
Abstract
Data used in this study were collected between 1995 and 1998 as part of a large-scale evaluation of drug user treatment program for women who enter treatment through the criminal justice systems of New York City and Portland, Ore. Research staff conducted face-to-face interviews with clients within the first 2 weeks of the client's entry into the treatment program. At the time of the baseline interview, clients also complete a number of standardized psychological instruments, including the Beck Depression Inventory. The baseline protocol also involved completion of the "motivation" and "readiness" subscales of the Circumstances, Motivation, Readiness, and Suitability Instrument, modified for this study to include only those questions of relevance for the prison-based treatment setting. Research staff conducted a second face-to-face interview with the clients approximately 12 months after they left the treatment programs. This interview contains both structured and open-ended questions. Analyses of both quantitative and qualitative data indicate that clients who completed the program have a more favorable perception of staff and felt empowered by the experience in treatment. Most of the clients who left treatment early did so because of conflicts or disagreements with the program's rules. This paper discusses how a supportive approach to personal development may enhance client perceptions of program quality and increase retention rates. 8 tables, a glossary, and 36 references