The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #35697

Kathryn E. McCollister, PhD¹, Michael T. French, PhD¹, James A. Inciardi, PhD², Clifford A Butzin, PhD³, Steve S Martin, MS³, and Robert M Hooper, PhD⁴. (1) Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Highland Professional Building, Room 330 (D-93), 1801 NW 9 Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, 305-243-3479, kmccolli@med.miami.edu, (2) University of Delaware Research Center, University of Delaware, 2100 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1202, Coral Gables, FL 33134, (3) Center for Drug and Alcohol Studies, University of Delaware, 77 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19716-2582, (4) Correctional Medical Services, 10 Corporate Circle, Suite 101, New Castle Corporate Commons, New Castle, DE 19720

This study conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of Delaware’s CREST Outreach Center, a work release therapeutic community (TC) and aftercare program for criminal offenders. The cost of treatment services was estimated using the Drug Abuse Treatment Cost Analysis Program (DATCAP). Treatment effectiveness was assessed using data on the number of days re-incarcerated during the 18-month, post-release follow-up period. The relative costs and effectiveness were estimated for four study groups: CREST work release TC completers, CREST work release TC noncompleters, CREST work release completers who also participated in aftercare treatment, and a comparison group of standard work release participants. The average (per client) cost of substance abuse treatment was $1,190 for CREST work release noncompleters, $2,100 for CREST work release completers, and $2,539 for individuals who completed CREST and attended aftercare treatment. CREST work release noncompleters had 22.14 more follow-up incarceration days than the Comparison group, CREST work release completers had 53.32 fewer follow-up incarceration days, and CREST work release completers who also received aftercare services had 61.56 fewer days of incarceration. Cost-effectiveness ratios were estimated, representing the cost per avoided incarceration day for each treatment condition relative to the comparison group. The average cost to avoid each reincarceration day was $39 for CREST completers and $41 for CREST completers who also received aftercare services. Both of these values are less than the average daily cost of incarceration in Delaware ($57). These results indicated that completing the CREST work release TC program and participating in aftercare were cost-effective treatment strategies.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Discuss relevant issues regarding the treatment of drug abusing criminal offenders in specialized work release programs;
• Understand the methodology of cost-effectiveness analysis and how to apply it properly in health services research; 3)Participate in the debate of whether or not it is a good investment to provide specialized drug abuse treatment to criminal justice populations.

Keywords: Criminal Justice, Drug Abuse Treatment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.