0 - National Criminal Justice Reference Service

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violators group and pre-release groups. Inmates with moderate to minimum substance abuse
problems are provided opportunities to participate in these groups during the time they are
waiting to participate in structured AOD programs. Ancillary groups utilize a wide variety of
educational and self-help approaches. Lifers and inmates with very low motivation are encouraged
to participate in ancillary groups. The goals of the ancillary groups include recovery fiom
addiction, personal growth and self-esteem, integration into the community through readiness and
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prosocial skills training, and the reduction of recidivism. In addition, ancillary groups help to
maintain institutional security, minimizing disciplinary problems, reducing drug dealing and use,
and improving relationships between inmates and correctional staff.
Goals and Objectives of this Study
The study of five prison-based Therapeut,; Community treatment programs provided by
the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections builds upon a systematic, joint agency-university
research partnership. This project attempted to more closely examine relationships between
program process, inmate characteristics, and treatment outcomes than has previously been the
case. The information realized through this endeavor is intended to be of use to correctional
managers and researchers alike, as they design, implement and track the effects of prison based
drug treatment.
II. Literature Review
Scope of the Problem
Substance dependent offenders are responsible for a high proportion of crime (Ball et al.,
1983; Chaiken, 1989; Inciardi, 1979; Lipton, 1995). Many ofthese drug-abusing offenders are
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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.