A Qualitative Exploration of the Multi-Level Factors Influencing Substance Use Treatment Referral Processes in Adult Probation

• In Event: Supervision Tools, Policies, Risk Assessment in Community Corrections

Abstract

Background: Many clients under probation have substance use disorders (SUD) that are not adequately identified and referred to needed treatment. A range of staff-level, organizational, and environmental factors contribute to the gaps in appropriate treatment linkage, such as inconsistent use of assessment tools and lack of communication with treatment provider partners.
Methods: Data were derived from two rounds of qualitative interviews (n=25) and four focus groups involving probation and treatment provider staff across different levels of leadership, units, and program type. These data were consensus coded using inductive and deductive coding. Researchers used thematic analysis to explore staff understanding of current referral practices and assessment tools for clients with SUD, the broader treatment context of the jurisdiction in which the department is situated, and staff perceptions of SUD and substance use treatment.
Findings: Preliminary analyses found that there were barriers associated with the assessment tool, including time constraints that impeded case plan completion and a lack of organizational oversight. Additionally, staff turnover and a lack of centralized referral protocols limited the probation staff’s ability to make a successful referral.
Conclusions: An integrated implementation science-based conceptual model is proposed to contextualize the barriers and facilitators influencing treatment referrals for people on probation.

Authors

• Lauren Perron, Temple University

• Steven Belenko, Temple University