Coordinating systems to help the newly released offender can seem overwhelming, due in large part to the burgeoning caseloads carried by public sector agencies. Not only are the criminal justice and substance use disorder treatment systems fragmented and sprawling, but the offender will likely need ancillary services as well (discussed in Chapter 5), which calls for case management. As discussed in Chapter 1, case management can follow an outreach, reach-in, or third-party approach, or some combination of the three. No matter what the model, research shows cost benefits, through reduced recidivism, of cross-system integration for offender transitional services (Inciardi, 1996; Abt Associates, 1995; Swartz et al., 1996).
Case management is the function that links the offender with appropriate resources, tracks progress, reports information to supervisors, and monitors conditions imposed by the supervising agency. These activities take place within the context of an ongoing relationship with the client. The goal of case management is continuity of treatment, which, for the offender in transition, can be defined as the ongoing assessment and identification of needs and the provision of treatment without gaps in services or supervision. Accountability is an important element of a transition plan, and case management includes coordinating the use of sanctions among the criminal justice, substance use disorder treatment, and possibly other systems.
Ideally, case management activities should begin in the institution before release and continue without interruption throughout the transition period and into the community. It is recommended that transition planning begin at least 90 days before release from jail or prison.
Early initiation of transition planning is important because it establishes a long-term, consistent treatment process from institution to community that increases the likelihood of positive outcomes. The case manager's communication with other transition team members at an early stage supports all aspects of the offender's recovery and rehabilitation (e.g., education, health, vocational training).
Certain services are integral to a substance-using offender's successful transition to the community. Reassessments should be conducted at various stages throughout the incarceration and community release process. Similarly, offenders also need continued supervision after institution release. Continued supervision also includes ongoing monitoring and assessment of the offender's needs. These periodic substance use disorder and supervision assessments should form the basis for ongoing case management and service delivery. However, additional assistance is needed in a number of areas prior to and after release to prepare the offender for the return to family, employment, and the community.
Often the offender needs help finding housing, since family and social support networks and financial resources may be minimal. Other activities may include teaching basic life skills such as budgeting, using public transportation, seeking and maintaining employment, and parenting. Many offenders have a history of job instability, unemployment, or underemployment. Improving the clients' likelihood of obtaining a job through general equivalency diploma (GED) preparation, enrollment in an educational program, vocational training, or job-seeking skills class increases their chances of success after release.
Many offenders need training to enhance interpersonal skills in both family relationships and with peers. Training in anger management and in parenting groups can provide new methods for resolving conflicts and facilitating reintegration into the family and community. If possible, the family should be involved in case management and treatment services during the transition to the community. Participation in self-help groups is an important adjunct to substance use disorder treatment to engage the offender in the larger peer support community.
The array of services identified reflects the multiple psychosocial needs of offenders, and takes into account the likelihood that offenders will have periods of backsliding requiring more intensive levels of treatment and supervision.
An effective transition plan is dynamic and evolves as the offender accepts greater responsibility. The offender should be present at team meetings so that she can see accountability modeled as she participates with team members in implementing the plan in the community. Being a part of the planning process helps offenders begin to make their own decisions and take responsibility for themselves.
Because of the clear system of sanctions and rewards, a sense of accountability is reinforced.
Continuity of care implies that the range of services needed by offenders are received, regardless of the system. When the correctional system and the treatment system collaborate effectively, there is an increased likelihood of treatment success and a reduction in the risk of relapse and future criminal behavior.
Case management is a critical element underlying continuity of care. Studies indicate that case management improves shorter term outcomes of treatment for substance use disorders (Shwartz et al., 1997). The case manager(s) links the offender with necessary resources, tracks progress, reports information to supervisors, and monitors conditions imposed by the court. Systems differ widely in terms of which entity provides case management services, but the necessary functions are the same, whether this role is filled by one person, an interagency team, or a separate agency. The case manager works directly with the client and collaborates with other criminal justice and treatment provider representatives to ensure that the offender maintains abstinence and avoids reoffending.
Case management functions typically include the following activities:
Assessing an offender's needs and ability to remain substance- and crime-free
Planning for treatment services and other criminal justice obligations
Maintaining contact with the probation officer and other criminal justice officials
Brokering treatment and other services for the offender
Monitoring and reporting progress to other transition team members
Providing client support and helping the offender with all involved systems (i.e., treatment, criminal justice, and child welfare)
Monitoring urinalysis, breath analysis, or other chemical testing for substance use
Protecting the confidentiality of clients and treatment records consistent with Federal and State regulations regarding right to privacy (42 Code of Federal Regulations [C.F.R.], Part 2)
Staff members of the program Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) begin case management services for the offender as early as local jurisdictions permit -- pretrial, presentence, postadjudication, or prerelease (Weinman, 1992). In a model program in Hillsborough County, Florida, a TASC counselor is assigned to each offender and conducts an intake assessment for the community agency (Department of Justice, 1991). A plan used in Ohio calls for case management activities weeks or even months prior to release, to set the stage for successful reintegration in the community and to develop necessary linkages (Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, 1997).
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