Evaluating Correctional Programs, Essay Example

Because studies have shown that individuals with substance abuse issues are more likely to violate their probation or have it revoked, it is important that probationers with such issues receive effective treatment. It is also understood that relapse is common among those who are in treatment; as such, a single instance of relapse will not constitute recidivism. Increasingly-strict sanctions, up to probation revocation ad incarceration, will be applied for first, second, and third instances of drug use (as identified with urine samples). Recidivism will be defined as a third instance of positive urinalysis results, as well as with any contact with law enforcement that leads to criminal charges.

A comparison group used to assess the efficacy of this program will be identified with a statistical analysis of probationers enrolled in other treatment programs. Recidivism rates of probationers in this program will be compared to recidivism rates of probationers enrolled in comparison-group programs to determine how well this program performs as compared to other groups. Follow-up assessments will continue for the duration of the probation period for each probationer currently enrolled in the program, and will continue for a six-month period after each current probationer has completed probation to determine whether the probationers have had further contact with law enforcement after completing probation.

Other assessments both during probation and in the follow-up period will include assessments of whether probationers find and maintain employment, enroll in educational programs, and/or become involved in further treatment support programs on their own. The program will be compared against other treatment programs to measure the efficacy of its individual components, including cognitive therapy, group support therapy, and participation with long-term and after-care support programs. Such comparison will allow for an overall assessment of the program and the opportunity to compare the outcomes of participants with those of participants in other programs and probationers on regular probation.