Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison (DTAP)
Problems addressed
Drug abuse
Recidivism
Effectiveness

Promising

.

.

.

.

.

Promising

Want to know more about this classification? Check out our methodological manual.

Life periods served
Adults (18 to 59 years)
Seniors (60 years and older)
Where the program was applied
Residential - Mental health or therapeutic community services
Country of application
United States
Description

This is a treatment program based on the therapeutic residential model for incarcerated individuals who abuse drugs and have been sentenced for non-violent crimes.
The program’s approach focuses on abstinence, avoiding relapse, and adapting to independent living. The treatment takes place over 21 months and includes assessments, guidance, individual, group and family counseling sessions, and vocational training for entering the job market.

Impact evaluations

Impact evaluation studies have shown that the program has led to a statistically significant reduction in recidivism, time to first arrest, and rearrest [1] [2].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Dynia, P., & Sung, H. E. (2000). The safety and effectiveness of diverting felony drug offenders to residential treatment as measured by recidivism. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 11(4), 299-311.

[2] Belenko, S., Foltz, C., Lang, M. A., & Sung, H. E. (2004). Recidivism among high-risk drug felons: A longitudinal analysis following residential treatment. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 40(1-2), 105-132.

Information source