Re-Entry MTC for Offenders With MICA Disorders

Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the transition of offenders with both mental illness and chemical abuse (MICA) disorders from prison to the community, where continued treatment is generally considered necessary to sustain gains made by prison treatment, and to achieve successful outcomes. The project will determine the effectiveness of a modified therapeutic community (Re-Entry MTC) approach as compared to the case management and parole supervision currently provided. The study will also assess the relative impact on treatment outcomes of the type of treatment received while in prison and of the progress achieved in re-entry treatment.

Conditions

• Mental Disorders
• Substance-Related Disorders

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Re-entry Modified Therapeutic Community (Re-entry MTC)

In general, the MTC program model applies three fundamental adjustments - increased flexibility, decreased intensity, and greater individualization. The central TC feature is retained; the MTC, like all TC programs, seeks to develop a subculture where clients learn through self-help and affiliation with the community to foster change in themselves and others. From this base (as elaborated below), further adaptations for the population of offenders with MICA disorders were incorporated to include an emphasis on modifying criminal thinking and behavior; on recognizing and responding to the interrelationship of substance abuse, mental illness, and criminality (triple recovery); and on using strategies for symptom management.

BEHAVIORAL

Parole Supervision and Case Management

Recognizing the complexity of issues facing offenders returning to the community, and the importance of continuity of care, the CDOC established a system of aftercare substance abuse services for offenders on parole or placed in Community Corrections facilities. The statewide treatment options for the offenders consist of a network of community-based clinics and halfway houses throughout Colorado that provide substance abuse services and mental health services. Parole officers and Community Corrections case managers monitor treatment compliance to support participation in prescribed services.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

  collaborator NIH

• National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Stanley Sacks, Ph.D. · National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2005-08-31

Primary Completion

2010-04-30

Completion

2010-04-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations