Evaluation of the Seminole County Jail Substance Use Treatment Housing Units

• In Event: Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment in Correctional Systems: Policy, Practice, and Outcomes

Abstract

Justice-involved individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose following reentry, especially within the first two weeks. This highlights a need for treatment programs in jails to help initiate treatment and aid in the transition to community-based treatment. To better serve this vulnerable population, the Seminole County Jail implemented two opioid treatment housing units, one for males and one for females. These treatment units focus on community building and empowerment for people who use drugs through a combination of individual and group counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and reentry planning. This study reports on preliminary findings from an evaluation of the opioid treatment housing units. Using administrative data and interviews with staff and program participants, this study examined three primary research questions: (1) What are the experiences of program participants in the treatment pods?, 2) What are the major barriers and facilitators to program implementation?, and 3) What are the characteristics of participants who are most likely to successfully complete the program? Findings from the current study have the potential to enhance program effectiveness, inform policy development, and improve participant outcomes.

Authors

• Leslie Cuddy, University of Central Florida

• Michael Caudy, University of Central Florida

• Jill Viglione, University of Central Florida