NCJ Number
144201
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: (1993) Pages: 265-276
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This evaluation of Turning Point, a program designed to treat and educate chronic drunk drivers in Hamilton County (Cincinnati), Ohio, found that Turning Point subjects were less likely to be arrested for new alcohol-related offenses or for any other offenses upon release from custody than other chronic drunk drivers.
Abstract
Started in 1988, Turning Point is a 40-bed, 28-day chemical dependency treatment program for men and women serving sentences for multiple driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. After serving jail sentences of at least 30 days, offenders screened and selected for the program receive a comprehensive treatment regimen focused on alcohol addiction that includes individualized alcohol treatment, family counseling, and educational services. After completing inpatient treatment, offenders go back to court for modified sentences, usually an average of 2 years of probation. The evaluation of Turning Point involved 531 offenders who participated in the program in 1988 and 1989 and a control group of 200 multiple DUI offenders adjudicated during the same period. When the two groups were compared statistically, Turning Point clients were more likely to succeed than control group subjects. Observed statistical relations, however, were weak with respect to time at risk and the low likelihood of drunk driving detection. More research on the effects of drunk driving programs is recommended. 19 references, 5 notes, and 6 tables