Substance Offenders

Table of Contents

Introduction2

Discussion2

Intensive Substance Abuse Program (ISAP)2

Strength, weakness, success and failure of program2

Intensive Probation Supervision Program3

Strength, weakness, success and failure of program3

Rehabilitation Alternative Probation (RAP) Program4

Strength, weakness, success and failure of program4

Plans for new program5

Incorporating the strengths from programs in the new program5

Strategies and reasons for success of new program5

Conclusion6

References7

Substance Offenders

Introduction

Around 80% of jail inmates have a history of alcohol or drug abuse in the US. Programs that generate positive results are ones that provide treatment continuous monitoring by criminal system and reduced rate of recidivism (Korsmeyer, et al 2009).

Discussion

Intensive Substance Abuse Program (ISAP)

Intensive Substance Abuse Program (ISAP), under the department of corrections offices, is an Intermediate Sanction program. Its main objective is to formulate a structure of risk management in association with the treatment providers, lower the imprisonment rates, and supervise nonviolent offenders in the community. The eligibility criterion involves clinical and correctional process to enroll an offender in the program. It includes that the assessments that the offender has a substance abuse disorder and needs intervention and treatment from ISAP, program can satisfy his clinical needs, and committing a moderate crime such as DUI 3x, dispensing or possessing drug, etc. (http://www.doc.state.vt.us). The intensive phase of this program requires attendance thrice a week in groups with subsidiary service, 6 months of ISAP, and 3 months of aftercare once a week in group.

Strength, weakness, success and failure of program

The strength of ISAP is that the aftercare in ISAP makes offenders ready for re-entry in the society. Another strength is that it includes Relapse Prevention planning that helps the offender in the completion of the program, and the reduction of risk of their re-offensive behavior. Providing family education and engagement during the treatment is another plus (http://www.doc.state.vt.us). The weakness, however, is in the effect of Buprenorphine used in the treatment during the program. The most common adverse effect is implant site reactions (Perrochet, 2011).

The success and failure of the program is evident from the Department studies of ISAP data in 2006. They concluded that after a year from termination from ISAP, the one who completed it had a rate of 10% reconviction and the ones who did not complete had a rate of 21%. The next year there was improved difference of 22% and 34% of recidivism rate. In the third year, the rate rose to a difference of 17 percent between completers and non-completers. (http://www.doc.state.vt.us).

Intensive Probation Supervision Program

The intensive probation supervision program is under The Adult Probation Department Supervision. It is a diversionary program for serious substance abuse offenders, who are charged with serious criminal offences. The primary objective is extensive intervention and surveillance. Probationers enrolled in this program need to abide by the frequent reporting conditions, drug testing, curfews, offering 130 hours of services in the community etc. The department does the eligibility screening of the probationer that includes analyzing the condition of this program with the defendant, investigating the social and criminal history, field visits to the defendant's house ...