An Outcome Evaluation of a Treatment Readiness Group Program for Probationers with Substance Use Problems

Abstract

From 2003 to 2008, Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities of Illinois (TASC) implemented the Reducing Risk: Outreach and Pretreatment for Probationers program (RROPP) in Cook County (Chicago), Illinois. The goal of RROPP was to reduce probationers' further penetration into the criminal justice system by increasing participation in substance abuse treatment. To achieve this goal, TASC incorporated evidence-based practices for enhancing the effectiveness of pretreatment services. An outcome evaluation assessed the extent to which RROPP's proposed goals were achieved. The evaluation also obtained useful information regarding lessons learned in the implementation of pretreatment services for probationers. Participation in TRGs was related positively to treatment entry, length of stay in first treatment episode, and completion of first treatment episode.

KEYWORDS:

• addiction
• drug treatment
• probationers
• recovery
• treatment readiness

The authors thank the individuals who participated in the evaluation process. Much gratitude is extended to Diane Drzymkowski, TASC RROPP program supervisor, and the entire RROPP program staff for providing the Loyola evaluation team with their ongoing support. Their commitment to data-based decision making and evidence-based planning and program implementation are truly admirable, and we are fortunate to be part of their work in Cook County, Illinois. Special thanks also are extended to TASC's Quality Improvement and Compliance Department. TASC's QIC Director, Joel Warmolts, and QIC staff member, Steve McCabe, made it possible for us to access data and other information for the evaluation and were extremely helpful throughout the evaluation process. We also thank Dr. Kevin Knight and the staff from the Institute of Behavioral Research at TCU for their invaluable technical assistance and guidance. This research was funded by an award from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (Grant No. TI-15839).

Notes

^a Variable(s) entered on step 1: Race, gender, education level, employment, living situation, reported substance use, age, and total TRG attendance. Entry into treatment is the dependant variable.

^a Chi square (p < .05).

^b t-test (p < .05).