NCJ Number
205442
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 66 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 100-105
Date Published
April 2004
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the two main ingredients that have proven to be the keys to success in drug treatment programs: selecting a target population of appropriate offenders and using a manualized treatment curriculum (one that has been empirically tested in the field).
Abstract
Outcomes for drug treatment programs can be improved by using an assessment protocol that separately examines the offender's risk and need factors. The goal of the assessment is to determine the degree to which the offender's behavior is currently affected by drug or alcohol use, as well as the degree to which the use contributes to criminal behavior. For the addicted offender, a distinction must be made as to whether the offender is a user or abuser and the type of drug the offender is most likely to use. Based on the assessment, offenders can be assigned to programs whose treatment techniques and format are most likely to benefit them. The manualized curriculum approach guides the treatment according to empirically tested content and methods, thus facilitating the effective delivery of services. The manualized approach enhances treatment outcomes by providing a map of the offender change process and then assisting the offender in moving through the various skill-development components to achieve the desired outcomes. Further, the manualized approach uses tools and exercises to assess treatment progress. The success of the manualized approach depends on staff training and the development of skills in the delivery of the treatment sessions. 3 notes