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monitoring may be helpful to ascertain the degree to which AOD treatment programs follow
written DOC policy guidelines (Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, 2001) and/or their own
program eligibility criteria (see Appendix 7).
Finding: Considerable variability was observed in time remaining to minimWn release date. In
contrast to stated policy guidelines, many inmates who were enrolled in drug treatment programs
were already well past their minimum release dates.
Recommendation:
5. Correctional administrators should regularly review, update and ver@ critical data fields
entered into automated information systems. Critical data fields include data elements that
are used to guide program eligibility, selection and placement decisions. Verlfy that AOD
staff at each institution understand and implement selection guidelines.
Treatment Process
Using various subscales of the REST and CRC, we were able to examine changes in
inmate psychological and social characteristics, as well as responses to treatment over time.
Significant improvements were observed in inmate psychological and social hctioning over the
first six months of treatment (e.g., self esteem, depression, risk taking).
Positive responses to treatment were also indicated (e.g., positive increases in perceptions
of therapeutic engagement, personal progress, trust in group, program staff, counselor rapport,
and counselor competence). Counselor ratings were consistent with inmate ratings in terms of
significant improvements in therapeutic engagement, although counselor ratings indicated little
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change in denial and even an increase in inmate psychological problems.
treatment program format, intensity and duration.
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This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has not
been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.