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 ma rched group quasi-experimental design. Sun-rival regression analyses were u sed to predict time until rearrest. A logistic regression model war constru cted for predicting aftercare completion. Setting. A 9-month in-prison ther apeutic community (ITC) and several community-based transitional therapeuti c communities (TTCs). Participants. Data were collected from 396 male inmat es (293 created, 103 untreated). Measurements. Background information (gend er, ethnicity, age, education level, criminal history and risk for recidivi sm) was abstracted from the state criminal justice databases and a structur ed 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 satisfactio n with transitional aftercare. Post-release recidivism was based on state-m aintained computerized criminal history records. Findings, ITC treatment, e specially when followed by residential aftercare, was effective for reducin g past-release recidivism rates. Lower satisfaction with transitional after care 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.