title: Motivational tools to improve probationer treatment outcomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Motivational interviewing (MI) is a promising practice to increase motivation, treatment retention, and reducing recidivism among offender populations. Computer-delivered interventions have grown in popularity as a way to change behaviors associated with drug and alcohol use.
  
  
  METHODS
  Motivational Assistance Program to Initiate Treatment (MAPIT) is a three arm, multisite, randomized controlled trial, which examines the impact of Motivational interviewing (MI), a motivational computer program (MC), and supervision as usual (SAU) on addiction treatment initiation, engagement, and retention. Secondary outcomes include drug/alcohol use, probation progress, recidivism (i.e., criminal behavior) and HIV/AIDS testing and treatment among probationers. Participant characteristics are measured at baseline, 2, and 6 months after assignment. The entire study will include 600 offenders, with each site recruiting 300 offenders (Baltimore City, Maryland and Dallas, Texas). All participants will go through standard intake procedures for probation and participate in probation requirements as usual. After standard intake, participants will be recruited and screened for eligibility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this clinical trial will fill a gap in knowledge about ways to motivate probationers to participate in addiction treatment and HIV care. This randomized clinical trial is innovative in the way it examines the use of in-person vs. technological approaches to improve probationer success.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT01891656.
authors.affiliation: George Mason University, Department of Criminology, Law and Society and Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE!), 4087 University Drive, Suite 4100, MSN 6D3, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States. Electronic address: ftaxman@gmu.edu.
authors.forename: Faye S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Taxman
authors.affiliation: University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States. Electronic address: Scott.Walters@unthsc.edu.
authors.forename: Scott T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Walters
authors.affiliation: George Mason University, Department of Criminology, Law and Society and Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE!), 4087 University Drive, Suite 4100, MSN 6D3, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States. Electronic address: lsloas@gmu.edu.
authors.forename: Lincoln B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Sloas
authors.affiliation: George Mason University, Department of Criminology, Law and Society and Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE!), 4087 University Drive, Suite 4100, MSN 6D3, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States. Electronic address: jlerch@gmu.edu.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lerch
authors.affiliation: University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States. Electronic address: Mayra.Rodriguez@unthsc.edu.
authors.forename: Mayra
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
mesh_terms: D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology*; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D062405:Motivational Interviewing / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Computer-delivered interventions; Criminal behavior; HIV risk; MAPIT; Motivational interviewing; Substance use; e-Health