0 - National Criminal Justice Reference Service

e
or both’*. TC clients were asked to complete additional self-report measures (described below)
that tapped psychological constructs and inmate perceptions of the treatment experience, and TC
counselors were asked to complete periodic reassessments of each inmate’s participation in
treatment. The only other difference was that TC clients received much more intensive treatment
services, while the comparison groups received much less intensive levels of treatment (which
were assessed and factored into analyses as control variables) until their release.
Inmate self reports of treatment process and psychological hctioning were gathered
within 30 days after admission, again after 6 months, again at the end of 12 months, and again at
discharge ifthe inmate remained in TC longer than 12 months. Counselor ratings of inmate
participation in treatment were similarly gathered one month, 6 months, and 12 months following
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admission to treatment. After release, treatment and comparison groups were tracked over time to
monitor rearrest, reincarceration, drug use, and employment.
Data Confidentiality and Human Subjects Protection
Participation in DOC drug treatment programs is voluntary, and inmates grant their
written consent to DOC to participate in treatment and in legitimate research examining treatment
effects. DOC follows strict guidelines regarding informed consent and confidentiality of data
collected fiom inmates under their authority. Where additional testing of inmates was required for
program evaluation purposes, principles of informed consent were closely maintained and adhered
to. All research procedures were cleared with the Department of Correction’s Research Review
a
l2 While all inmates entering Pennsylvania state prison prior to January 1,2001 were supposed to
be assessed on the PACSI at the time of their classification, valid scores were missing from the
database for a number of inmates. However, all inmates participating in the research study were
asked to complete the TCU Drug Screen. Because some: inmates had a score on one instrument,
some inmates had another, and some inmates had both scores, statistical analyses utilized only
standardized z-scores rather than raw scores on these instruments.
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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.