NCJ Number
178758
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 63 Issue: 1 Dated: June 1999 Pages: 30-34
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reviews issues and challenges created by the large number of offenders needing screening and assessment for substance abuse.
Abstract
Clinical screening and assessment are two of the basic tasks and responsibilities (core functions) of an addiction counselor. The large number of offenders entering the system, maintaining adequately trained substance abuse treatment personnel and the cost and accuracy of screening have become major challenges. In addition, screening is needed for psychopathy and for criminal attitudes and value systems. By identifying these issues and challenges, the critical elements of treatment can move forward so that appropriate offender-treatment matching is possible and scarce treatment resources can be used wisely. The feedback of screening and assessment information can give offenders accurate pictures of their substance use or abuse and how the behaviors relate to offense patterns and a more realistic estimation of the challenge and effort required to overcome addictions. References