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The efficacy of diversion and aftercare strategies for adult drug-involved offenders: a summary and methodological review of the outcome literature
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The efficacy of diversion and aftercare strategies for adult drug-involved offenders: a summary and methodological review of the outcome literature

Evelyn Harvey, Anthony Shakeshaft, Kate Hetherington, Claudia Sannibale and Richard P. Mattick
Drug and Alcohol Review, Vol.26(4), pp.379-387
2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230701373917
PMID: 17564873
url
https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230701373917View
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Abstract

Review efficacy diversion aftercare
Diversion strategies aim to redirect drug-involved offenders away from the criminal justice system and into treatment. Despite the interest in diversionary practices, the emergence of an empirical evaluation literature has been slow. A methodological review of published outcome studies was conducted to investigate the current strength of evidence for the efficacy of diversion and aftercare practices for criminal offenders. Twenty outcome studies were identified for review: 19 on diversion and one on aftercare. The vast majority of studies were non-randomised evaluations, reflecting the paucity of rigorous evaluation work in this area. Although most studies were prospective, very few reported on long-term outcomes following treatment. Detail was lacking with regard to basic study characteristics, such as eligibility criteria and outcomes. Despite these methodological shortcomings, results provide some tentative evidence that diversion and aftercare programmes could be effective. Best practice elements of diversion and aftercare programmes are identified and feasible strategies to improve the methodological quality of future evaluations are considered. [Harvey E, Shakeshaft A, Hetherington K, Sannibale C, Mattick RP. The efficacy of diversion and aftercare strategies for adult drug-involved offenders: a summary and methodological review of the outcome literature. Drug Alcohol Rev 2007;26:379 - 387]

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