Predicting Graduation from Broward County’s Dedicated Drug Treatment Court

* We wish to thank Drs. Ronald Nyhan and Elizabeth Piper Deschenes for their help during earlier stages of this article.

Abstract

This research examines outcomes among first-year participants in the dedicated drug treatment court in Broward County, Florida, from July 1, 1991, through June 30, 1992. Participant data are used to predict the likelihood of successful program graduation. This research is designed to help understand the differences between participants who fail to graduate versus those who successfully complete the drug court treatment program. Independent variables are derived from interview questionnaires soliciting personal demographic, behavioral, and drug use history information. Logistic regression analysis is used to identify significant predictors. The research finds that demographic characteristics, such as race and education, as well as crack use, are the most useful defendant characteristics for predicting program graduation. The implications of these findings for public policy decision makers are discussed.

Notes

* We wish to thank Drs. Ronald Nyhan and Elizabeth Piper Deschenes for their help during earlier stages of this article.