An Essential Prerequisite

To the best of their ability, staff should attempt to make certain that offenders are alcohol-and drug-free during interviews. If offenders are under the influence, they will not be as open and/or truthful as they would be if they were sober. Moreover, there are safety and legal issues involved in interviewing an offender under the influence of a prohibited substance. If an offender admits to current substance abuse or is obviously intoxicated, an assessment appointment should be rescheduled. At any meeting, staff should use the time to address the offender's current condition and lack of compliance with ordered restrictions. Identifying an offender's use establishes a tone for all future meetings, and reinforces the ground rules.

What, when, where, and how staff speak to an offender, and the example staff set by their own behavior, are perhaps the most powerful ingredients in positive offender outcomes!