National Evaluation of the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program From Onset to Midpoint, Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 182218
• Author(s): Douglas S. Lipton; Frank S. Pearson; Harry K. Wexler
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): 97-RT-VX-K006
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

This is an executive summary of the final report on the national evaluation of the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program (RSAT) from onset to midpoint.

Abstract

The RSAT for State Prisoners Program provides funds for state and local programs that: (1) last from 6 to 12 months; (2) are provided in dedicated facilities set apart from the general correctional population; (3) are directed at the inmate’s substance abuse problems; (4) are intended to develop the inmate’s cognitive, behavioral, social, vocational and other skills; and (5) continue to require urinalysis and/or other proven reliable forms of drug and alcohol testing during and after release from residential custody. Evaluation by the National Development and Research Institutes, Inc. is intended to survey the extent to which program goals were being accomplished in its first 2 years, and problems encountered by participating States. As of the midpoint of the RSAT initiative, approximately 7,700 clients were being treated. More than 3,600 RSAT clients have successfully completed and graduated from RSAT programs. The program holds the promise of breaking the cycle of drug abuse and crime and slowing the revolving door of criminal justice.