Helping Women Recover Program (in a Drug Court Setting)
Problems addressed
Effectiveness

No Effect

.

.

.

.

.

No Effect

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

Life periods served
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

This is a drug court program aimed at women involved with the criminal justice system. The goal is to provide specific treatment for women and prevent involvement in criminal activity and relapse to substance use.
The program consists of applied cognitive behavioral approaches, experiential therapies (such as art therapy), meditation, and skills training and psychoeducation techniques compatible with the female gender.
The intervention takes place in a court setting and requires intensive monitoring, frequent drug testing, sanctions for infractions, and community treatment.
Psychotherapeutic interventions include substance use awareness; reinforcement of self-esteem and self-efficacy; conversations about family, motherhood, relationships, sexuality, and spirituality; treatment of post-traumatic stress symptoms; development of stress management skills; and emotional regulation, among other interventions.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation found no statistically significant effects on the number of arrests or drug abuse during the 18-month follow-up period [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Messina, N., Calhoun, S. & Warda, U. (2012). Gender-RESPONSIVE DRUG COURT TREATMENT: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 39(12), 1539–1558. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854812453913

Information source