Social networks and social control of probationers with co-occurring mental and substance abuse problems.

Abstract

Probationers with co-occurring mental and substance abuse problems (PCPs) are both subject to considerable social control, and at high risk of probation failure. In this study, we screened 601 probationers for symptoms, interviewed 82 identified PCPs about their relationships, and then followed these PCPs for eight months to record treatment nonadherence and other probation violations. First, PCPs' social networks were small, heavily comprised of professionals and opposing forces who engaged in risky behavior, and saturated with pressure to adhere to treatment. Second, the size and composition of PCPs' social networks were more relevant to rule compliance than social support and undermining. Third, the quality of PCPs' relationships was key: satisfying relationships with clinicians and, to a lesser extent, officers and the core network related to low perceived coercion, high treatment adherence, and low risk of future violations. In particular, having a likable clinician who engaged in participatory decision-making reduced the risk of violations. Implications for contextually sensitive risk reduction efforts are discussed.

Youth’s Perceptions of Parental Support and Parental Knowledge as Moderators of the Association Between Youth–Probation Officer Relationship and Probation Non-compliance

“…However, the link between youth-officer relationships as change mechanism and probation outcomes is less understood relative to offending adults (see Skeem, Eno Louden, Manchak, Vidal, & Haddad, 2009; Johnson, Friedmann, Green, Harrington, & Taxman, 2011; Kennealy, Skeem, Manchak, & Eno Louden, 2012). Research on offending adults suggests that three models of adult probation supervision and decision making differentially emphasize the two components of client-officer relationships (Klockars, 1972; Skeem & Manchak, 2008).…”

An exploration of female offenders’ memorable messages from probation and parole officers on the self-assessment of behavior from a control theory perspective

“…Supporting this idea, four studies (Bui & Morash, 2010;Cobbina, 2010;Morash, 2010;Skeem, Eno Louden, Manchak, Vidal, & Haddad, 2009) in different states found that parole agents constitute important members of social networks for many women offenders. Yet another study (Bloom, Owen, Covington, & Raeder, 2003) found that, compared to men, women on parole were especially likely to be open about their needs, put more value on their relationships with parole agents, and develop more trusting relationships with them.…”

Classification of offenders with mental health problems and problematic substance use using the Addiction Severity Index version 6: analysis of three-year follow-up data and predictive validity

“…After release from prison or forensic psychiatric hospitals, many end up homeless and unemployed, with small social networks (Hartwell, 2004;McNiel, Binder, & Robinson, 2005;Skeem, Louden, Manchak, Vidal, & Haddad, 2009). In addition, many show functional impairment (Grella, Greenwell, Prendergast, Sacks, & Melnick, 2008), and suffer from victimization (Wood, 2012) as well as from problematic substance use and mental health problems (Proctor & Hoffman, 2012;Ruiz, Douglas, Edens, Nikolova, & Lilienfeld, 2012).…”