Influence of a residential drug and alcohol program on young people's criminal conviction trajectories. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whitten, Tyson; Cale, Jesse; Nathan, Sally; Williams, Megan; Baldry, Eileen; Ferry, Mark; Hayen, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Journal of criminal justice. Volume 84(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Therapeutic community -- Drug and alcohol treatment -- Convictions -- Group-based trajectory -- Young people -- Quasi-experimental; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Justice pénale -- Administration -- Périodiques; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2022.102026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2352

Abstract

Abstract: Background: This study examined the effect of a residential drug and alcohol therapeutic community program on criminal convictions among young people who had different trajectories of conviction prior to referral. Method: Data was derived from linked administrative records of all young people referred to a modified therapeutic community for serious alcohol and drug related difficulties located in New South Wales, Australia ( n = 3059). Group-based trajectory modelling and propensity score matching estimated the potential treatment effect at age 17 on subsequent convictions up to 22 years of age, by three pre-referral trajectories of convictions from ages 10 to 16 years, designated "no or low convictions", "moderate incline convictions", and "high incline convictions". Results: Treatment was associated with a significant decrease in convictions for only the high incline convictions trajectory after double adjustment of propensity scores and post-discharge incarceration. The reduction in the number of convictions for the high incline group was substantial (Cohen's d = 0.96), corresponding to 4.36 fewer convictions over five years post referral. Conclusions: Residential therapeutic communities may be an effective intervention to reduce future convictions among young people with drug and alcohol problems who have a high number of convictions prior to referral. Highlights: Many adolescents referred to drug and alcohol treatment have a history of offending. Thirty days or more of treatment reduced recidivism among high-rate offenders. No significant reductions observed for lower-rate offenders. Novel treatment modality likely targets complex needs of higher risk youth.