Improving Early Engagement and Treatment Readiness of Probationers

Abstract

The current study examined the effectiveness of motivational activities designed to improve early treatment engagement for probationers receiving substance abuse treatment and differential effects on males and females. A total of 294 probationers either received treatment as usual (standard treatment) or standard treatment enhanced with three 2-hour motivational modules. The results indicated that probationers who received the motivational modules perceived their communities as being more engaged and likely to remain clean and sober compared to probationers who received standard treatment, and this was especially true for female probationers (who, in general, demonstrated higher levels of engagement and readiness for treatment than did males). The results also indicated that the motivational activities helped sustain treatment readiness during the first 3 months of treatment.

Double Jeopardy: A Review of Women Offenders' Mental Health and Substance Abuse Characteristics

“…In a study that explored treatment motivation and engagement of probationers, Czuchry, Sia, and Dansereau (2006) investigated the gender differences of females and males living in the Dallas County Judicial Center. Two groups were formed from the participating 294 probationers: (1) standard treatment, and (2) standard treatment plus motivational activities.…”

An Empirical Ethics Agenda for Psychiatric Research Involving Prisoners

“…Persons with a history of involvement with the criminal justice system are a particularly difficult population to engage in care, and can demonstrate poor adherence to community-based treatment both before and after incarceration (Czuchry et al 2006; Farabee and Leukefeld 2001). Indeed, many individuals have their first adult contact with health care while incarcerated (Hammett et al 1998).…”

“…Research on improving treatment engagement and adherence could consequently lead to better outcomes for the millions of underserved Americans in jails and prisons who might not otherwise receive services (Boutwell and Rich 2005; Boutwell et al 2007). However, strategies used to engage patients in the community frequently fail when applied to inmates because of both external factors and internal ones (e.g., behavioral disinhibition or low internal motivation) (Andrews and Bonta 2006; Fishbein et al 2009), suggesting that alternative practices for incarcerated populations need to be developed and tested (Czuchry et al 2006; Ko et al 2010; Serin 2005). …”

Gender Differences in Psychosocial Functioning Across Substance Abuse Treatment

“…Key motivational activities that were included in this study included Under Construction, a strengths based activity that has been shown to calibrate mood and self-esteem ) and the Downward Spiral , a game in which each client takes on the role of someone who continues to abuse drugs and then sees the associated impact that occurs on his or her health, social support networks, self-esteem, and fi nancial/legal situation. These activities, when combined, have been shown to facilitate engagement and success in treatment (Czuchry, Sia & Dansereau 2006;Czuchry & Dansereau 2005). In addition to these cognitive enhancements implemented by the research staff, the SATF also offers a variety of educational and life management activities like a modifi ed therapeutic community approach, counseling to provide professional guidance and support in recovery efforts, special induction and transition sessions to plan for treatment, and later, for recovery maintenance, life skills instruction and recovery education activities.…”