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Collaborative Intermediate Evaluation of the Pine Lodge Pre-Release Therapeutic Treatment Community for Women Offenders in Washington State

NCJ Number
181406
Date Published
December 1999
Length
124 pages
Annotation
This report describes the purpose, methods, results and implications of an intermediate evaluation of a therapeutic community for women offenders.
Abstract
This evaluation of the Pine Lodge Pre-Release Therapeutic Community for Women Offenders in Washington State attempted to identify strengths and weaknesses in the program and to establish data sources and collaborative relationships for a subsequent outcomes and impact evaluation of the program. The Pine Lodge “First Chance” chemical dependency treatment program approaches addiction as a biopsychosocial disease and attempts to develop pro-social cognitive, behavioral and affective skills of women offenders. It uses peer encounter groups; behavioral modification and therapy; social and problem solving skills training; rational emotive, cognitive and assertiveness training; anger and aggression management and educational training. The paper recommends concerted efforts to quell the spread of misinformation about “First Chance”; not pressuring staff to retain problematic individuals; not encouraging program principals to increase the number of therapeutic community residents; and standardizing recording and reporting program participation data. Tables, notes, appendix

Date Published: December 1, 1999