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AIMS: This study examined the impact of residential aftercare on recidivism following prison-based treatment for drug-involved offenders. DESIGN: A matched group quasi-experimental design. Survival regression analyses were used to predict time until rearrest. A logistic regression model was constructed for predicting aftercare completion. SETTING: A 9-month in-prison therapeutic community (ITC) and several community-based transitional therapeutic communities (TTCs). PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from 396 male inmates (293 treated, 103 untreated). MEASUREMENTS: Background information (gender, ethnicity, age, education level, criminal history and risk for recidivism) was abstracted from the state criminal justice databases and a structured interview led by clinical staff. During treatment process measures were based on inmate self-ratings of their counselors, program and peers. A post-treatment interview conducted by field research staff assessed satisfaction with transitional aftercare. Post-release recidivism was based on state-maintained computerized criminal history records. FINDINGS: ITC treatment, especially when followed by residential aftercare, was effective for reducing post-release recidivism rates. Lower satisfaction with transitional aftercare treatment was associated with not completing the residential phase of community-based aftercare. CONCLUSIONS: Corrections-based treatment policy should emphasize a continuum of care model (from institution to community) with high quality programs and services.
Hiller et al. (Tue,) studied this question.