Managing A Drug Court to Improve Program Effectiveness

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Although the success of drug courts in reducing criminal recidivism and system costs is no longer in serious dispute, more research is needed to improve their effectiveness. This paper reports results of a study of drug court graduates in southwest Washington State. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered to solicit client perceptions of various structural and operational elements of drug court that may be consistent with client behavior during supervision or predictive of future behavior after graduation. Results reveal significant differences in client reports by phase of treatment, family and friendship support networks, and self-assessment of personal motivation. Implications for drug court screening and operational procedures are discussed.

Author

• Nick McRee, University of Portland