Female Recidivists Speak about their Experience in Drug Court while Engaging in Appreciative Inquiry.

In this appreciative collaborative inquiry 11 of 30 female repeat felons enrolled in a Northern California drug court were given a voice to talk about the strengths of the court and the key persons who had helped them. Empowered as change agents, these women looked at present and past experiences to assess their program, and envision future drug court program innovations. From these women's perspective, the strongest component of drug court was being surrounded by caring staff who were concerned with their progress and recovery. Intensive graduated supervision and accurate drug testing were appreciated rather than resented as long as the participants were not humiliated and were treated with respect. Wrap-around services, resources and referral, treatment facilities that accepted children, and individualized treatment plan and therapy with offenders who are ex-addicts, and preferably females, allowed for greater involvement and active participation in recovery. Progressing through three phases, acquiring skills, a job, and visitation rights to see their children, or regaining custody, increased these women's sense of self-efficacy perception and confidence in their ability to lead a drug-free meaningful life. Findings also show the importance of qualitative criteria in evaluating drug court participants' progress and the process of recovery. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]