NCJ Number
202952
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: 2003 Pages: 41-65
Date Published
2003
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This article investigates the self-reported criminal histories of homeless persons participating in substance abuse programs.
Abstract
This study examined the types of offenses committed by homeless veterans that were substance abusers, many with psychiatric illnesses. It also assessed how well elements of three different conceptual perspectives discriminated between self-reported non-offenders, nuisance offenders, and felons. Despite much research on homeless people, there are not many studies on alcohol consumption, other drug abuse, mental illness, and crime among the homeless. A random sample of 188 military veterans was selected from the population of a substance abuse program for the homeless at Veterans’ Administration Medical Center in the South. All study participants were interviewed on 2 separate days within the first 3 weeks of arrival in the program. The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) was administered, along with the Multi-Problem Screening Inventory (MPSI). The results of the study show that alcohol abuse, other drug abuse, number of psychiatric hospitalizations, suicidal thoughts, and depression discriminate between self-reported non-offender and offenders. The study offers evidence that the prevailing argument that homeless people commit nuisance offenses such as vagrancy is an overstatement. A relatively significant percentage of homeless substance abusers commit felonies and not just nuisance offenses. There needs to be more and greater integration of substance abuse and psychiatric services in programs designed for homeless persons that suffer these afflictions. The integration of services must include assessment and intervention approaches for persons that commit crimes. Professionals with training and experience in working with persons that commit crimes are needed in programs set up for homeless substance abusers. These psychosocial rehabilitation efforts must be combined with providing more adequate housing, employment, and health services for the homeless population. Family therapy and bolstering social support networks, 12-step models for abstinence, and cognitive treatment for those that commit crimes are all suggested for treatment of homeless persons. 6 tables, 72 references