A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of In-Prison Therapeutic Community Treatment and Risk Classification

Abstract

Policy makers need scientifically based information to help them to determine which correctional treatment alternatives are effective and economically viable. Three-year outcome data from 394 parolees (291 treated, 103 untreated comparison) were examined to determine the relative cost-effectiveness of prison-based treatment and aftercare, controlling for risk of recidivism. Findings showed that intensive services were cost-effective only when the entire treatment continuum was completed, and that the largest economic impact was evident among high-risk cases. Therefore, assignments to correctional treatment should consider an offender's problem severity level, and every effort should be made to engage them in aftercare upon release from prison.