NCJ Number
177912
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: June 1999 Pages: 168-195
Date Published
1999
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the evolution of TASC (Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime) and reports findings from an evaluation of five TASC programs.
Abstract
In response to the increasing number of criminal offenders involved with drugs, the criminal justice system has sought more effective means of intervening with these offenders. TASC is one of these efforts; it is an offender management model that has been implemented in various forms since the early 1970s. TASC facilitates treatment for drug-using offenders as part of an overall strategy to control drug use and associated criminal behaviors. Under TASC auspices, drug-using offenders who might become progressively involved with the criminal justice system are offered the opportunity to enter community-based treatment. After referring offenders to treatment, TASC monitors their progress and compliance, especially drug use (through urine testing). Dropping out of treatment or other noncompliance is viewed by the courts as a violation of the conditions of release. The five-program evaluation reported in this article was experimental at two sites and quasi-experimental at three sites. The evaluation found favorable effects of TASC programs on service delivery and offenders' drug use. Findings on criminal recidivism were mixed and difficult to interpret. The article concludes with recommendations for improving TASC and similar programs within the criminal justice system. 6 tables, 2 figures, appended TASC critical elements, and 21 references