In the public health approach to treating offenders, drug abuse or dependence is viewed as a disease that requires treatment rather than confinement or punishment. Accordingly, identifying drug abuse problems among offenders and referring those individuals to treatment in the community is considered to be potentially the most effective way to turn them away from drug abuse and repeated crime.

Case management to facilitate referrals and coordinate ancillary services for offenders also is believed to influence the success of a public health strategy.