Opening the black box - The impact of inpatient treatment services on client outcomes

This study examined the effects of specific services provided in therapeuti c communities (TCs) to treatment outcomes. Findings are compared to prior a nalyses of treatment outcomes from the District of Columbia Treatment Initi ative (DCI) that did not utilize the treatment service information. A subsa mple of DCI clients randomly assigned to two TC programs, who had remained in inpatient treatment for at least 60 days, were included in the analyses (n=371). Logistic regression results illustrated that the lever of vocation al education services received was positively associated with completing tr eatment, and participation in group services was associated with decreases in postdischarge arrest. In addition, clients who received a greater number of all inpatient services were more likely to complete treatment and were less likely to be arrested after discharge. Findings suggest that TC progra ms should consider offering more vocational education and group treatment s ervices to enhance prosocial behavior following treatment discharge. (C) 20 01 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.