Initial Findings from an Automated Appointment Reminder System for Probationers

• In Event: Innovations in Corrections: Findings and Lessons Learned from Using Technology in the Field

Abstract

Research shows that behavioral and physical health problems disproportionately affect criminal justice populations and can weigh heavily on their well-being and public safety if untreated. Unmet treatment need among probationers is commonly due to low treatment participation. One way to address this issue is through the use of behavioral nudges to remind people to attend their case management appointments. To this end, RTI International has been developing, implementing, and assessing the use of the Interactive Computer-Assisted Recovery Enabler (ICARE) tool to improve treatment compliance among probationers. ICARE is an automated appointment system that reminds probationers to attend their behavioral health case management appointments. RTI is partnering with Uptrust, a software development company, to develop an appointment reminder system that would be integrated into North Carolina’s Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities case management system. This presentation briefly describes literature on the use of mobile phone technology to improve treatment uptake, gaps in the literature, project goals, and initial findings from the ICARE project. If ICARE proves successful in North Carolina to improve treatment compliance and outcomes, it can be implemented in other jurisdictions and populations.

Authors

• Samuel Scaggs, RTI International

• Pamela K. Lattimore, RTI International

• Debbie Dawes, RTI International