Evaluation of the District of Columbia Pre-Release Program

This study was a process evaluation of the implementation of the concept and design of a pre-release center (funded by the Center for Substance Abuse TreatmentCSAT). The center was specifically dedicated to releasing individuals from a therapeutic community, the District of Columbia Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF). CTF treats offenders with significant substance abuse problems, and the Pre-Release Program serves in a transitional role, bringing individuals from the therapeutic community back into the community. Both the CTF and the Pre-Release Program were designed specifically for the African-American community they serve. The study assessed the process of the program and included analysis of assessments by the staff, current clients, and clients who had been released (both successfully into the community and unsuccessfully back into prison for new violations). Finally, the report included an analysis of program participation levels and recidivism.