(Chicago) – Individuals referred to substance use treatment by the justice system (such as courts, probation, parole) are significantly more likely to complete treatment when they receive TASC specialized case management. 

Among adult criminal justice clients in Illinois, treatment completion rates are 47 percent. When individuals receive TASC specialized case management, those success rates jump to 77 percent.

Furthermore, juvenile justice clients receiving TASC specialized case management have nearly double the success in completing substance use treatment compared to other juvenile justice clients in Illinois (82% vs. 42%). 

These are the findings of an analysis comparing data available from the Illinois Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) with TASC data from the corresponding year (CY2014).

TASC’s specialized case management includes comprehensive substance use disorder assessments, service planning, placement into appropriate treatment, ongoing client advocacy, reporting back to referral sources, and other services that support recovery and community re-engagement.

“Going through treatment involves taking a deep personal inventory and addressing long-ingrained patterns and behaviors. This process is critical in the recovery journey, but it may not be sufficient when clients are dealing with such a complex array of issues and obligations,” says TASC President Pam Rodriguez.

In standard case management—within clinical settings, for example—clients’ needs are assessed and addressed, responding to such needs as learning to live without substances, managing emotional triggers, and understanding relationship patterns. TASC’s specialized case management is distinct in that it involves the ongoing navigation of multiple services and public systems in which clients are involved. In TASC’s court/probation, and community reentry services, TASC case managers help clients handle justice system requirements (e.g., court dates, parole appointments), practical obligations (e.g., accessing identification, childcare), and special circumstances (e.g., the stigma of justice system involvement) that might otherwise cause individuals either to be dismissed from or drop out of treatment.

“It’s not easy to juggle all these obligations when one is in relatively good health,” says Rodriguez. “Imagine trying to put your life back together when you’re also struggling with addiction or a mental health condition.

“TASC knows and understands these systems and requirements, and we help people navigate what they must do, while also remaining accountable to the court and others, and ultimately to themselves. We help clients through these complexities as they progress in their recovery and self-sufficiency.” Rodriguez added, “At the same time, we work with the justice system and our treatment partners so that ideally we’re working in sync toward the individual’s success.”

In addition to providing services at points in the justice system from diversion through community reentry, TASC also provides intensive case management that helps heal and reunite families affected by parental substance use disorders.

Learn more about TASC’s services and impact in TASC’s 2018 annual report.