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Results for drug courts (maine)

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Author: Ferguson, Andrew

Title: A Process and Site-Specific Outcome Evaluation of Maine's Adult Drug Treatment Court Programs

Summary: The high correlation between crime and the abuse of drugs and alcohol is well documented. Individuals with substance abuse problems are significantly more likely to commit crimes, to commit a wider range of crimes and to be convicted of more violent and serious offenses. Drug courts were developed as a means to respond to problems posed by substance abusing offenders involved in the revolving door of the criminal justice system. As such, they represent a nexus between criminal justice and substance abuse treatment systems that is intended to reduce prison populations by reducing crimes of drug involved offenders by changing their drug using habits. Through comprehensive supervision, drug testing, integrated substance abuse treatment services and frequent court appearances before a designated program judge, drug courts attempt to motivate offenders to engage and participate in a program of behavioral change. Across the United States, there are more than 1,600 drug courts in operation and it is estimated that over 400,000 drug-using offenders have participated in these programs. The vast body of research literature on drug courts indicates positive outcomes – that drug courts are helping to improve the lives of difficult to reach populations. According to the United States Government Accountability Office (2005), drug court programs have demonstrated the ability to reduce recidivism and generate other positive outcomes. Maine’s Adult Drug Treatment Court was created by statute in August 2000 and currently operates in five of Maine’s sixteen counties. As of November 30, 2005, there were a total of 1,365 offenders referred to these programs and 540 offenders were admitted. Maine’s drug courts are intensive and challenging programs to successfully complete. The overall completion rate in Maine (60%) exceeds completion rates across drug court programs nationally (48%). The current study contributes to ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of drug court programs. Consistent with the national literature, this study shows that Maine’s Adult Drug Court program is not only effective in reducing crime but cost effective as well.

Details: Augusta, ME: Department of Health and Human Services, 2006. 36p.

Source: Internet Resource. Accessed on January 15, 2012 at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/osa/pubs/correct/2006/adultdc06.pdf

Year: 2006

Country: United States

URL: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/osa/pubs/correct/2006/adultdc06.pdf

Shelf Number: 123624

Keywords:
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Drug Abuse Prevention
Drug Courts (Maine)
Drug Offenders
Drug Treatment