Effectiveness of the aboriginal offender substance abuse program

Number: R-217 - Full report

Date: March 2010

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Safe reintegration of Aboriginal offenders to the community through the delivery of effective interventions is one of five CSC priorities. Over 90% of the Aboriginal men in federal custody require substance abuse intervention. In response to this need, CSC introduced the Aboriginal Offender Substance Program (AOSAP), a high intensity program, in 2004. To date, approximately 500 Aboriginal offenders have completed the high intensity program.

The Addictions Research Centre studied a cohort of 2,685 Aboriginal offenders, who were released to the community on day parole, full parole, or statutory release to evaluate the effects of AOSAP participation on post-release outcomes.

Of the group of Aboriginal offenders who completed AOSAP^{Footnote 1}, 78% remained in the community on release whereas only 46% of Aboriginal offenders who did not participate in a substance abuse program while incarcerated remained in the community (see Figure 1).

Figure 1.

During the demonstration phase, AOSAP was not available to all Aboriginal men. As a result, some Aboriginal men completed either the National Substance Abuse Program – High Intensity (NSAP-H) or the NSAP – Moderate Intensity (NSAP-M). When compared to the participants who successfully completed AOSAP, the group of Aboriginal offenders who successfully completed NSAP-H and NSAP-M were revoked at a rate that was 1.6 and 1.7 times higher, respectively.

Offenders who were enrolled, but failed to complete a substance abuse program had over two times the rate of revocation than the group of offenders who successfully completed AOSAP.

Of those Aboriginal offenders who completed AOSAP only 5% were returned to custody because of a new offence or charge.

The results of this research clearly indicate that delivering substance abuse treatment programs to Aboriginal offenders reduces the likelihood of a return to custody. Moreover, there is strong evidence supporting the delivery of culturally-appropriate interventions like AOSAP to Aboriginal offenders. Stronger treatment effects can be expected through interventions that blend traditional Aboriginal healing with contemporary best-practices. Indeed, the results confirmed that Aboriginal offenders were more likely to be successful on release when they participated in culture-specific programs.

Kunic, D. & Varis, D.D. (2009). The Aboriginal Offender Substance Abuse Program (AOSAP): Examining the effects of successful completion on post-release outcomes.

Research Report R-217. Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada.

To obtain a PDF version of the full report, contact the following address: research@csc-scc.gc.ca

Addictions Research Centre, Research Branch
(902) 838-5900
addictions.research@csc-scc.gc.ca