DCS Annual Report 2017 | Page 9

Day Reporting Centers DRCs provide a non-residential prison diversion program targeted at high-risk, high-need offenders with a history of substance abuse and non-compliant behavior. DRCs seek to address the root problem of substance abuse, rather than the non-violent crimes that result from addiction. Offenders placed in DRCs complete an intensive, highly-structured, non-residential addiction recovery program lasting six months or more. In FY18, DCS began working with the University of Georgia to undertake a full analysis of the efficacy of DRCs. Although our results have been successful at consistently reducing recidivism and the program has become a model for other states, the expert counsel of UGA’s thought leaders will help keep the DRC programs operating at maximal effectiveness. 9