Date of Award
6-19-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Criminal Justice
First Advisor
David Olson
Abstract
The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of two specific substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs within the Illinois State prison system between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2015. This study utilizes a quasi-experimental research design to evaluate the corrections-based Therapeutic Community (TC) programs at the Sheridan and Southwestern Illinois Correctional Centers. These programs are evaluated based on the effects they have on reoffending, specifically highlighting their effect on young individuals. The final sample used in the present study was taken from a population of 72,906 men released from the Illinois state prison system between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2015. Participation in corrections-based SUD treatment, in the form of the TC modality, resulted in an approximate 15% reduction in the likelihood of violent recidivism, three years post-program participation. In addition, participation in corrections-based SUD treatment appeared to increase general recidivism rates, three years post-program participation.
Recommended Citation
DiMeglio, Maria, "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Substance Abuse Treatment Within the Illinois Prison System and Its Effect on Recidivism" (2024). Master's Theses. 4509.
https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_theses/4509
