NCJ Number
195211
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: Fall 2001 Pages: 107-119
Date Published
2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article provides drug court participant characteristics and offers suggestions that may increase graduation rates.
Abstract
Drug courts place nonviolent drug offenders into intensive, court-supervised treatment programs. They clear dockets faster than the traditional criminal justice system. The provision of treatment could reduce criminal recidivism. If a participant fails to complete the program, the criminal justice system imposes further prosecution, sentencing, or parole violation. Little is known about the type of individual who is likely to complete a drug court program. The East Coast Drug Court, located in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, processed and closed 196 cases from 1995 until 1998. The data set consisted of information regarding age, race, gender, education level, employment status, marital status, number of children, drug offense, time in the program, treatment style, program employment, referral information, and graduation or termination from the program. The results showed that the average participant was male, white, and not married. Most members of the study group had children, with a mean of one child per participant. The average age was 34 years and ranged from 21 to 60 years. Most subjects had a high school diploma or its equivalent, were employed prior to entering the program, and worked during the program. The typical interval between case disposition and referral to the program was about 95 days. Most drug court clients were referred for use of powdered cocaine. Over 53 percent of those entering the program completed the requirements and graduated. Minority members were significantly less likely to graduate from the drug court. Being employed before and during the program increased the likelihood of successful completion of the drug court program. Having finished high school enhanced the chances of success, while a referral for cocaine use diminished the odds of program completion. These findings could help drug court administrators make better decisions about appropriate client referrals and program services. 3 tables, 23 references