This study examined the short-term economic impact of in-prison substance abuse treatment and aftercare within a State correctional system. The cost of treatment services was estimated using the Drug Abuse Treatment Cost Analysis Program (DATCAP) and framed from the perspective of the criminal justice system. Treatment effectiveness was assessed using data on the number of days incarcerated during the one year, post-parole follow-up period. Both means analysis and multivariate regression analysis were employed to estimate cost-effectiveness ratios. The results indicated that the combination of in-prison and aftercare treatment was the most cost-effective alternative, compared to in-prison treatment only or no prison treatment. The findings are discussed and interpreted for criminal justice officials and several qualifications and extensions are highlighted. This cost-effectiveness analysis contributes to the sparse literature on economic evaluation of in-prison substance abuse treatment and the findings can help the California Department of Corrections determine where to direct scarce criminal justice resources.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to: 1. Understand the approach to performing cost-effectiveness analysis as a primary tool of economic evaluation. 2. Describe the economic impact of providing prison-based substance abuse treatment from the perspective of the criminal justice system. 3. Discuss the trade-off between higher treatment cost and the effectiveness of various stages of treatment for criminal offenders as a guide for managing treatment resources in correctional systems.
Keywords: Economic Analysis, Correctional Institutions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.