Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision (SSAS) Versus Non-SSAS Recidivism Rates Among Nebraska Felony Drug Offenders

Since March 2006, Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision (SSAS) has been available at five
sites in Nebraska as an enhancement of probation and parole for felony drug offenders whose
scores on initial screening instruments warrant such placement. SSAS enhancements to
traditional probation and parole include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in groups; use
of incentives; positive reinforcement; and motivational interviewing.

Records of probationers and parolees who participated in SSAS starting anytime between March
1, 2006 and February 28, 2007 were studied to assess recidivism rates. Recidivism for this
study is defined as "an arrest and conviction on a new charge while on probation or parole."

The records of a matched control group of non-SSAS probationers and parolees who entered
probation or parole during the same time period with similar drug felony offenses and
similar screening scores were also studied. Control group was also matched, as much as
possible, with similar age group, demographic data, rural/urban residence, and level of
felony offense.

Investigators performed a statistical analysis to determine recidivism rates at six months
post-entrance to SSAS (and for the control group, at six months post-entrance to probation
or parole).

Inclusion Criteria:

- convicted felony drug offender

- sentenced in Nebraska

- probationer or parolee

- entered probation or parole or SSAS between March 1, 2006 and February 28, 2007

Exclusion Criteria:

- convicted felony drug offender sentenced in Nebraska starting probation or parole
between March 1, 2006 and February 28, 2007 who does not match SSAS
probationers/parolees in terms of age, demographics, urban v. rural residence, and/or
class of felony drug offense.