Efficacy of Coerced Treatment for Offenders: An Evaluation of Two Residential Forensic Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs

• NCJ Number: 195604
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 34 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: 61-80
• Author(s): Francis X. Baird; Arthur J. Frankel
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report presents the methodology and findings of an evaluation project conducted in two similar forensic drug and alcohol treatment programs operated under the auspices of Resources for Human Development, Inc., a large nonprofit social service agency in Philadelphia.

Abstract

The two programs involved similar types of clients, treatment processes, staff positions, and intake procedures. Both programs offered intensive drug and alcohol treatment while simultaneously assisting the individuals with re-entry into the community. The same system of individual, group, and family treatment was provided in both settings. Individual sessions were held twice weekly. During these sessions, issues of recovery and family life were discussed. Individual sessions also focused on past experiences that led to addiction and criminal justice issues. Residents were asked to identify mechanisms for avoiding similar situations after they were released. Each person was required to participate in group therapy at least four times per week. During phase two of the program, individuals were encouraged to seek employment, job training, and/or education. The final phase of the program focused on community adaptation. An independent evaluation team reviewed the records at both programs. Client records were reviewed for all who were involved in the same 6-month period. Additional data compared the outcomes of one of the programs to 15 other county residential treatment programs under the auspices of other social service organizations. The goal of the evaluation was to document comparable process and outcome data at both programs by using existing records. Findings indicate that the two programs are meeting their goals. Both had a high treatment completion rate. Given the results of the evaluation, this report recommends that the treatment model be replicated and evaluated in other residential forensic drug and alcohol treatment programs. In addition, research studies should be designed to compare this residential model with other forms of treatment for addicted forensic clients. 8 tables and 66 references