How does this study differ from the statewide Proposition 36 Evaluation Study and other research projects currently underway or being proposed?
The data collected in the federally-funded TSI study will complement the Statewide Proposition 36 Evaluation Study. The two studies have distinctive focuses, and together, provide a more comprehensive assessment of the impact of the new legislation. The statewide evaluation focuses on analyses of cost-offsets, SACPA’s effects on public health and public safety via reductions in crime, drug use, and other outcomes, and how the criminal justice and treatment systems respond to SACPA. The TSI study describes five distinct and diverse counties’ plans and strategies for implementing Proposition 36 in their drug treatment systems as well as the characteristics of drug offenders diverted to treatment. The TSI study has a treatment outcome component that aims to assess treatment outcomes via follow-up interviews and cross-system data linkage. Investigators of both studies will work closely to avoid duplication of data collection efforts by counties and treatment providers. In addition, the TSI
