Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) in Prison: Evaluation of the Maryland RSAT Program

The evaluation observed the therapeutic community program in prison, conducted structured interviews with treatment and administrative staff members and tracked client progress through both the treatment and criminal justice systems. The evaluation attempted to understand the nature of the substance abuse services offered and how the programs addressed inmates' cognitive, behavioral, social and vocational skill development. Overall, the evaluation found that the mechanics of the in-prison program were implemented but the delivery of treatment services (i.e., transition into the community) were not. The program needs more attention to the delivery of services, staff qualifications, use of behavioral management (graduated responses) and the continuation in follow-up treatment programs after release from the prison program. It should use a much more clearly defined, formalized treatment curriculum. In addition, the program should emphasize hiring, training, and retaining qualified and dedicated treatment staff. The program would also benefit from a more consistent program discharge process, including use of parole officers to transition clients to needed community-based aftercare treatment. Figures, tables, notes, references, appendixes