Topic: Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco, Antisocial Behavior
Target Population: Adults
Sector: Community-Based
This program is for adults who are candidates for early release from prison (i.e., convicted of a nonviolent drug or property offense).
Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP), a community-based program, is designed to support people who have committed nonviolent drug and property offenses and who are chemically dependent, prepare participants to reintegrate effectively into society, and safeguard public safety.
One evaluation that utilized a retrospective quasi-experimental design of CIP has been conducted in Minnesota with 1,347 offenders who were primarily male. Offender participation in CIP was significantly associated with reduced time to re-offense. In addition, CIP participants who re-offended spent significantly fewer days in prison because they were less likely to return for a new crime. Results of a cost-benefit analysis showed that implementation of CIP saved the state of Minnesota at least $6.2 million by providing early release to CIP program graduates and reducing the time these individuals later spent in prison.
CIP includes the following three phases:
If offenders choose to leave the CIP program or fail to meet program requirements at any phase, they are required to serve the remainder of their term in prison.
CIP has been implemented in Minnesota since 1992 and in Wisconsin since 1991. Other states have implemented this program to varying degrees since the early 1990s. No additional previous use was located.
Phase I of this program is implemented by correctional employees. Phases II and III are implemented by case managers and field agents. Training is available for these individuals; however, specific information on training was not located. Please use details in the Contact section to learn more.
Considerations for implementing this program include securing correctional facility administration permission and buy-in, finding facilitators (i.e., correctional employees, case managers, and field agents) with suitable backgrounds and obtaining their buy-in as this program will involve intense supervision of offenders, gaining participant buy-in as CIP is a voluntary program for eligible offenders, ensuring that phases are delivered with fidelity, and understanding that additional staff may be necessary to help carry out all aspects of each Phase of the program.
The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email clearinghouse@psu.edu
If you are interested in implementing Challenge Incarceration Program, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you! Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email clearinghouse@psu.edu
Each phase of this program lasts at least 6 months, and the total program takes at least 18 months to implement, but the duration will depend on each participant’s original prison sentence.
Information on program implementation costs was not located.
To move CIP to the Effective category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one external evaluation must be conducted that demonstrates sustained, positive outcomes. This study must be conducted independently of the program developer.
The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email clearinghouse@psu.edu
Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program. Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: clearinghouse@psu.edu
You may also contact Grant Duwe, Researcher, by mail 1450 Energy Park, Drive, Suite 200, St. Paul MN 55108, phone 1-651-361-7200, email Grant.duwe@state.mn.us or William Bolin, Program Director, by phone 1-218-485-2410, email william.bolin@state.mn.us, or visit https://crimesolutions.ojp.gov/ratedprograms/544#relatedpractices
Duwe, G., & Kerschner, D. (2008). Removing a nail from the boot camp coffin: An outcome evaluation of Minnesota’s Challenge Incarceration Program. Crime & Delinquency, 54(4), 614-653. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/0011128707301628
