Program Evaluation of Georgia Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Adult and Youth Offenders

July 2008 The evaluation found that about 75% to 80% of adult offenders in Georgia, and more than 60% of juvenile offenders, have a substance abuse problem. Various state agencies provide treatment programs to reduce recidivism and lower the potential for criminal activity. The purpose of the programs is to stop the substance abuse and to facilitate the individual's return to the family, workplace, and community. The evaluators found that most state programs lack quality outcome measures. They recommended that the state develop performance measures, evaluate appropriate outcomes, and track effectiveness of current substance abuse treatment programs . . .