NCJ Number
239072
Date Published
2012
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the features and outcome evaluation findings for the Amity Prison Therapeutic Community (APTC), which provides counseling and decision-making skills to inmates with drug problems in preparation for reentry into the community.
Abstract
The evaluation, a randomized controlled trial, showed a reduction in the reincarceration rate for program participants and an increase in the average time to reincarceration. The following evaluation findings apply to all inmates who were assigned to the APTC, both those who completed treatment and those who did not. A comparison of the reincarceration rate for treatment participants with controls (non-participants) indicated a 9-percent lower reincarceration rate for program participants (75.7 percent versus 83.4 percent). The treatment group showed a 28-percent reduction in the average time to reincarceration (809 days versus 634 days). There was no difference between the treatment group and controls on the likelihood of being employed in the past year, and there was no effect on self-reported substance use. Located at the R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, CA, the APTC is a separate in-prison housing unit for male inmates with drug problems who are 9 to 12 months from being released. Participants volunteer to participate in the program. The treatment unit houses approximately 200 inmates, who are provided counseling and instruction designed to help them stop drug use and live responsible, law-abiding lives in the community. The program's focus is on the development of decisionmaking skills, self-discipline, and respect for authority. These treatment services are provided 4 hours per day during weekdays. The APTC is staffed by committed individuals who are recovering substance abusers with criminal histories. They are specially trained and supervised. The evaluation involved a randomized controlled trial of 715 program participants. Most of the participants had a history of violence. 2 references