Training Probation and Parole Officers to Provide Substance Abuse Treatment

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on the results of the field test of a substance abuse treatment protocol to probation and parole officers. Ten Probation and Parole Officers were trained in Structured Relapse Prevention (SRP) and offered treatment to 55 clients over the one-year field test period. This report highlights the incentives and barriers for providing substance abuse treatment in the corrections setting. It is proposed that this type of field test is an effective dissemination technique for encouraging system engagement. First, the field test allowed for the modification of the treatment protocol to better fit the Probation and Parole context. Second, the positive results of the field test served as the basis to justify the widespread dissemination of SRP to Probation and Parole officers province-wide.