INTERVENTIONS WILMER - A CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR SUBSTANCE-ABUSERS IN THE CRIMINAL-JUSTICE SYSTEM

This article describes a 300-bed substance abuse treatment program tha t is part of a continuum of care focused on preventing drug and crimin al recidivism in substance abusing criminals incarcerated in Dallas Co unty, Texas. It is the product of a joint effort of the judiciary, the Dallas County Supervision and Corrections Department, the State of Te xas Criminal Justice Division, and Interventions Co., a not-for-profit treatment provider. The program is rooted in over 25 years of treatme nt experience and incorporates therapeutic community (TC) technology c ombined with 12-Step programming, behavior modification, job training (having a job is required for graduation), educational, and medical/ps ychiatric elements. Treatment is conceived as part of a continuum of c are to provide substantial and sustained support for the inmate in the difficult process of adapting to the community post incarceration. Tr eatment plans are individualized and are based on an extended workup i n which the individual's status in a number of domains is assessed. Sp ecialized services, such as transportation and childcare, facilitate r ecovery. Once in the community, urine monitoring, groups, and counseli ng continue. The program is beginning its fourth year of operation and approximately 600 inmates have started the program. A formal evaluati on is in process.