Date of Award

Summer 6-29-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

Justice involved women have higher rates of trauma and more severe substance use than men (McConnell, 2017; Zlotnick, et al., 2009; Messina et al., 2006). Their trauma symptoms frequently interfere with their ability to engage meaningfully in treatment and contribute to a cycle which brings them into custody repeatedly (Finkelstein et al., 2014). This capstone project addresses the needs of justice involved women with substance use disorder (SUD) in San Mateo County (SMC) for a program that effectively addresses their trauma as well as their substance use and criminogenic thinking. SMC currently provides a model of care which begins in custody, the Choices Program, and continues with residential treatment post-release. This capstone project proposes to augment this treatment model with trauma-focused therapy during residential treatment provided by the same therapist who provides coping skills development groups in the jail. This new model will be referred to as “Enhanced Trauma Responsive Substance Abuse Treatment” or ETRSAT. A review of the relevant treatment outcome literature provides the basis for an evaluation of the current and proposed treatment models, as well as justice system costs. Utilizing a mixed quantitative/qualitative research plan of key witness interviews of professionals who provide services to and a survey of women who have been in Choices, the project will develop primary data regarding the need for and potential outcomes relating to the proposed program. This project has the potential to prompt public agencies and correctional health services, generally, to reconceptualize appropriate treatment for persons struggling with SUD and trauma, improve the lives of justice involved women, their families and their communities, as well as reduce costs to the criminal justice system and the public.

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