Applying Evidence-Based Practices to Community Corrections Supervision

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of residential substance abuse treatment in reducing recidivism among high-risk offenders. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design to match 82 probationers who participated in residential drug treatment program to 82 probationers with similar demographics and criminal history who did not attend treatment. The findings revealed that residential substance abuse treatment had no statistically significant effect on several dichotomous measures of recidivism but that treatment participation substantially reduced the amount of criminal activity in which offenders engaged in during the 18-month follow-up period. Furthermore, among those arrested, the treatment group was more likely to be charged with a probation violation, whereas controls were substantially more likely to be arrested for a new criminal offense. The results serve as the foundation for future examinations into the efficacy of residential drug treatment for high-risk offenders under community supervision.