Oregon Drug Courts
Problems addressed
Effectiveness

Promising

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Promising

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

This is a comprehensive management program developed by state drug courts to track adults who have committed drug-related offenses. The goal is to propose additional treatment, follow-up, and interactions with the court judge to reduce recidivism and drug abuse.
The follow-up lasts one year and involves intensive care and other services that are necessary for the participant’s sobriety; accountability of the participant to the Drug Treatment Court judge; periodic, random drug testing; and frequent appearances before the court judge to assess treatment progress.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation showed that the program led to a 48% reduction in recidivism, compared to 60% in the comparison group, a statistically significant difference [1].
The study had a quasi-experimental design. The treatment group consisted of 5,655 participants, while the comparison group consisted of 7,380, using data from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Carey, S. M. & Waller, M. S. (2011). Oregon Drug Court Cost Study: Statewide Costs and Promising Practices. Final Report. Salem, OR. Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. https://npcresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/ORDC_BJA_Cost_and_Best_Pract…

Information source