Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words? Examining the Referral, Screening and Admission Process in a Midwestern Drug Treatment Court

• In Event: Drug Courts and Specialized Treatment Courts

Abstract

There is a scarcity of quantitative research about the screening and admission process for drug treatment courts (DTCs). This paper examines this process in the DTC of the most populous county in Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Analyses are conducted on all persons (approximately 400) referred to the DTC over a three-year period to assess differences for those admitted compared to those denied entry due to objective eligibility and exclusion criteria. Addresses for persons under review were geocoded using ArcGIS, and subsequently aggregated to the Census block group level. For each block group, data related to measures of neighborhood disadvantage and racial/ethnic homogeneity were obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, crime data were collected from the Milwaukee COMPASS website, and aggregated to the block group to allow for creation of neighborhood crime rates. It is hypothesized that these measures will explain a considerable amount of the variance in admission, controlling for other factors. Statistical analyses using Chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression are used to compare the characteristics of those referred, and admitted or denied entry. In particular, how the screening process impacts the underrepresentation of people of color is examined. Implications of the findings for DTC policies and practices will be discussed.

Authors

• Tom LeBel, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• Rebecca Headley, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• Matt Richie, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee