THE FINDINGS OLD GOLD SERIES 2. FORCE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
Nearly 40 years ago administrative blunders in California enabled researchers to mount
what remains the most convincing test of court-ordered treatment. The blunders created the
evaluator's Holy Grail - a near-perfect control group without having to interfere with the
process being evaluated. Issue 4 of FINDINGS analysed the study and argued for its
continuing relevance to the treatment-based criminal justice interventions now at the
heart of British addiction policy.
In what Professor Dwayne Simpson termed an "excellent overview", the article explained how
the evaluators broke new ground by treating reduced drug use and crime and a reduced
burden on the criminal justice system as worthwhile outcomes, even if the improvements
were less than complete. It enabled them to demonstrate that diversion from prison worked
even when the recipients were back on the streets. The results helped divert public policy
towards less punitive responses and continue to do so. 'Throw them in prison and then
throw away the key' now had a viable competitor: coercion with a (rehabilitative) purpose.
During May 2006 this article is available for free download from
www.drugandalcoholfindings.org.uk
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FINDINGS packages the latest research on 'what works' drawing out practice-relevant
implications for practitioners, managers, and commissioners in treatment, education,
prevention and enforcement. It is managed by three national UK drug and alcohol charities:
DrugScope, Alcohol Concern and the National Addiction Centre. For sample copy and free
downloads visit www.drugandalcoholfindings.org.uk, e-mail
[log in to unmask] or phone DRUG AND ALCOHOL FINDINGS, c/o
National Addiction Centre, +44(0)207 848 0437.
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