Prison Research and Innovation Network. 

This project is a consortium of five states, each working to establish a model of transparency, accountability, and innovation in one prison with the support of a research partner to enhance research and data capacity. The purpose of the PRIN is to better understand prison environments; enhance prisons’ data collection capacities to promote transparency and accountability; and design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based programs and policies to improve conditions for individuals incarcerated in and working in prisons. The Center for Drug and Health Studies is the research partner and will collaborate with the Delaware DOC to plan and carry out research activities, including conducting administrative data collection, climate surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups with correctional staff and incarcerated people as well as baseline data analyses and evaluability assessments of prospective changes to policies and practices.

Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Misconduct Behind Bars: “A Randomized Control Trial of CBI-CC.  

This study will test the effectiveness of the Cognitive Behavioral Interventions – A Comprehensive Curriculum (CBI-CC) program on reducing prison misconduct and violence in prison and arrests after release among a sample of incarcerated individuals in three prisons in Delaware.  Four hundred sentenced high-risk adult males will be randomly assigned to receive either the CBI-CC intervention or treatment as usual. The primary outcome is prison misconduct. Secondary outcomes will include institutional grievances and rearrests six months post release for those who return to the community during the study period. 

Implementing a Culture of Heath among Delaware's Probation Population

This pilot project investigated the process and short-term impact of implementing a multiagency "Culture of Health" team in a probation agency using a Change Team approach to focus the efforts of multiple agencies to improve the alignment, collaboration and synergy of health and other social service delivery to this traditionally hard to reach and underserved population. The project used a mixed-methods design including random assignment of probationers to the new services delivery approach.

Evaluating a Drug Testing and Graduated Sanctions Program in Delaware: A Randomized Trial

This two-year project implemented a randomized trial to monitor chronic drug offenders in the community through increased, regularly scheduled urinalysis testing, coupled with sanctions and referral to treatment for positive tests. The Delaware Department of Probation and Parole randomly assigned eligible offenders to standard probation (n=300) or the enhanced condition (n=300). Those in the standard condition received the normal probationary requirements, including random urinalysis. Those in the enhanced condition received regularly scheduled urinalysis coupled with referral to treatment, if required, and a program of graduated sanctions.