A poorly designed program could increase rates of recidivism, substance use disorder, and overall failure to rehabilitate. With so much at stake, understanding the value of a monitoring system before implementing it is a must for agencies – enter Corrisoft.
In addition to having a thoughtful design with customizable features that fit a range of needs, the Corrisoft AIR® program is also field-tested by agencies and participants. More than that, independently reported data shows a measurable decrease in jail sanctions, positive drug analyses, and time needed to complete the program successfully.
One area where Corrisoft AIR® was particularly impactful on participant outcomes is the Louisiana 32nd Judicial District Drug Court.
Recognizing a need
The Louisiana 32nd Judicial District Drug Court faced a problem shared with most other drug courts: retaining participants past the first phase and promoting overall program completion. Nearly 35% of participants exited the program before completing phase I.
The district also recognized participants took a disproportionately long amount of time to complete phase I, delaying their reentry and increasing the likelihood of dropout. However, if participants were able to graduate to phase II in a reasonable time frame, there was a significantly higher chance of program completion.
With the need clearly outlined, the agency sought out a program that could promote more successful reentries. In his own words, program director Clarence McGuire elaborates, “We firmly believed the more we could help our participants, the more likely they would be to stay on the right path.”
Their wish list included a program with better communication features and the ability to give positive incentives. But above all, they needed a path that offered more options for sanctions – and second chances – than jail time or program termination. This led them to Corrisoft AIR®.
Fulfilling the need
Corrisoft AIR’s ability to offer graduated levels of accountability that can be mixed to fit client needs made it the perfect choice for the 32nd district. Additionally, Corrisoft AIR®, as explained by McGuire, “…aims to provide benefits to both our agency and the program participants,” not just one party.
In order to test the efficacy of the AIR® program, the 32nd district enrolled in Corrisoft’s pilot program with a group using Corrisoft AIR® and a control group not using it. Those in the AIR® group proceeded through the program following Corrisoft’s typical recommendation for sanctions at different levels.
When they completed phase I, they were rewarded with lighter sanctions. Rather than being sent to jail, participants had the sanctions reinstated as punishment for program violations. This improved overall outcomes by promoting self-esteem and preventing job loss or social isolation due to jail time.
The communication features of Corrisoft AIR® also held participants accountable and created connections between the agencies and participants. This encouraged success because any concerns could be addressed and rectified immediately, without the need for extreme measures. It also reduced participant’s feelings of loneliness and made them a stakeholder in their journey to reentry.
Exceeding expectations
Overall, the data collected and reported by the Louisiana 32nd Judicial District Drug Court indicates that Corrisoft AIR® had a significantly positive impact on participant outcomes. Those who participated in the pilot program spent 40% less time completing Phase I than those in the comparison group. This equated to 49 fewer days, which boosted participant motivation and the likelihood of successful completion.
Participants in the pilot group also had 86% fewer jail sanctions in the first 90 days than peers in the comparison group. This equates to only one jail sanction, which means that more participants stayed working, parenting, or going to school, essential components of rehabilitation.
Also essential to rehabilitation is a reduction in positive drug analyses. The Corrisoft AIR® group showed a 96% reduction in positive urine tests, which exemplifies the program’s ability to modify behavior long-term and help participants maintain positive lifestyles.
When we reimagine how we monitor, we can consider how our systems impact participant outcomes more broadly. By shifting priorities toward programs that have flexible features, we can not only improve participant outcomes but also make meaningful, long-term changes in participants’ behavior.
If your agency wants to increase success and promote lasting rehabilitation, connect with us today.