Prison-based substance abuse treatment, residential aftercare and recidivism.

AIMS: This study examined the impact of residential aftercare on recidivism following prison-based treatment for drug-involved offenders.

DESIGN

A matched group quasi-experimental design. Survival regression analyses were used to predict time until rearrest. A logistic regression model was constructed for predicting aftercare completion.

SETTING

A 9-month in-prison therapeutic community (ITC) and several community-based transitional therapeutic communities (TTCs).

PARTICIPANTS

Data were collected from 396 male inmates (293 treated, 103 untreated).

MEASUREMENTS: Background information (gender, ethnicity, age, education level, criminal history and risk for recidivism) was abstracted from the state criminal justice databases and a structured interview led by clinical staff. During treatment process measures were based on inmate self-ratings of their counselors, program and peers. A post-treatment interview conducted by field research staff assessed satisfaction with transitional aftercare. Post-release recidivism was based on state-maintained computerized criminal history records.

FINDINGS: ITC treatment, especially when followed by residential aftercare, was effective for reducing post-release recidivism rates. Lower satisfaction with transitional aftercare treatment was associated with not completing the residential phase of community-based aftercare.

CONCLUSIONS

Corrections-based treatment policy should emphasize a continuum of care model (from institution to community) with high quality programs and services.