"To Improved Offender Outcomes:
Developing Responsive Systems for Substance-Abusing Offenders."
12 Steps to Changes in Policies and Practices
8. Allow Behavioral Contracts to Bind the Offender,
the Treatment System and the Criminal Justice System
the Treatment System and the Criminal Justice System
Communicating with the offender about the components of treatment is critical to helping the offender take responsibility for his or her own behavior. An infrequently used tool is the behavioral contract, which specifies the program components and clarifies the expectations for the client. Additionally, the contract binds the treatment and criminal justice services to providing a certain level of service.
At a minimum, the core components of the contract are:
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treatment programs assigned (each phase or treatment program should be specified, including jail-based treatment programs);
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supervision schedule and location of supervision agent;
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drug testing schedule;
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graduated sanctions to identify set responses to common issues such as positive drug tests and missed appointments;
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incentives; and
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special conditions of treatment and/or supervision (community service hours, electronic monitoring, house arrest, self-help groups).
The behavioral contract should be signed by the offender, treatment provider and criminal justice agent (and potentially the judge) to serve as a building contract.