NCJ Number
253199
Date Published
April 2018
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Findings and methodology are presented for a study that examined graduation rates and 2-year recidivism outcomes for a representative statewide sample of 534 drug court participants.
Abstract
A stratified random sample was selected to represent total participants (n =4,881) in Kentucky Drug Courts (KDC) from July 1, 2006, to January 1, 2011. Data were collected from the participant assessment at program entry. A multivariate logistic regression, with race as the only predictor, indicate that compared to Caucasians, the odds of graduating decreased by 51 percent for non-Caucasians; however, when significant demographic, substance use, mental health, criminal justice, and during-program factors were added to the model, race was not significantly associated with program completion. Another multivariate logistic regression showed no significant racial differences in post-program recidivism, which was defined as any arrest, conviction, or incarceration. Overall, there were few differences in program completion and post-program outcomes strictly associated with race; however, there were indirect associations through differences in demographics, substance use, health, criminal justice history, and treatment-court sanctioning. Within program planning, cultural sensitivity must become more of a focus on individualized treatment based on a comprehensive needs assessment. Future research should further examine access to treatment court, so as to ensure such a court is equally available to all who meet eligibility requirements. 6 tables and 51 references