Interventions/Wilmer: a continuum of care for substance abusers in the criminal justice system

Abstract

This article describes a 300-bed substance abuse treatment program that is part of a continuum of care focused on preventing drug and criminal recidivism in substance abusing criminals incarcerated in Dallas County, Texas. It is the product of a joint effort of the judiciary, the Dallas County Supervision and Corrections Department, the State of Texas Criminal Justice Division, and Interventions Co., a not-for-profit treatment provider. The program is rooted in over 25 years of treatment experience and incorporates therapeutic community (TC) technology combined with 12-Step programming, behavior modification, job training (having a job is required for graduation), educational, and medical/psychiatric elements. Treatment is conceived as part of a continuum of care to provide substantial and sustained support for the inmate in the difficult process of adapting to the community post incarceration. Treatment plans are individualized and are based on an extended workup in which the individual's status in a number of domains is assessed. Specialized services, such as transportation and childcare, facilitate recovery. Once in the community, urine monitoring, groups, and counseling continue. The program is beginning its fourth year of operation and approximately 600 inmates have started the program. A formal evaluation is in process.