NCJ Number
147123
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 56 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1994) Pages: 44-47
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In response to the perception of corrections officers that community offenders with specific alcohol and drug treatment needs could avoid revocation and succeed under supervision, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections instituted an alternative to revocation (ATR) program.
Abstract
The 90-day program uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to address offenders' substance abuse and thought processes and to promote a healthy and responsible lifestyle. The offender progresses through three stages of increased personal decisionmaking, obligations, and responsibilities. Program components cover substance abuse issues, assertiveness training, criminal thinking, violent relationships, and independent living skills training. Upon completion, each offender participates in an aftercare program. During its first year of operation, the program admitted 61 offenders, 33 of whom completed the program. Two years after discharge, 12 percent of successful participants had been incarcerated, compared with 75 percent of those who did not complete the program.