NCJ Number
86358
Date Published
Unknown
Length
35 pages
Annotation
The program evaluation covering the months from September 1980 to July 1981 shows that the Florida Statewide Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC) Network operated as an effective mechanism for the identification, diagnosis, referral, and supervision of substance-abusing offenders.
Abstract
A total of 25,614 potential clients were screened face-to-face; 5,623 potential clients were referred for diagnosis and evaluation of their treatment needs; and 4,382 potential clients were diagnosed. In addition, 3,443 clients were placed into treatment, primarily community-based; and 4.3 percent of the clients were rearrested on new charges while active in treatment. The 'typical' TASC client is likely to be white, male, less than 30 years old, involved in abusing various drugs and alcohol, and receiving treatment for the first time. He is referred to TASC for a felony offense and has an extensive criminal history. The evaluation indicates that the TASC Network is becoming more cost-efficient: 13 projects reduced their total cost per client and 5 projects reduced their total cost per successful client. Recommendations include having the coordinating office monitor Network unit costs more closely, finishing the TASC Network policy and procedures manual and distributing it as soon as possible, and signing the contract of agreement between the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and the Department of Veteran and Community Affairs. Cost and other program data are shown in tables, and a map is included. (Author summary modified)