Broekaert E., Ph.D. Vandevelde S., Ma.Ed Vanderplasschen W., Ma.Ed. Soyez V., Ma.Ed. Poppe A., Ma.Ed. Two Decades of ‘Research-Practice’ Encounters in the development of European Therapeutic Communities VAKGROEP ORTHOPEDAGOGIEK

Introduction Role of science in TC-development First researchers: working in TCs + on individual basis 1981: European Federation ofTherapeutic Communities (E.F.T.C.): practitioners + meeting with practitioners 1983: European Workshop on Drug policy Oriented Research (EWODOR): researchers, TC-section

Method Objective: illustrate that ‘science has met practice’ by clustering the main results of EFTC- and EWODOR-meetings (n=1) published in grey literature Selection criteria: ‘invited’, ‘accepted’ and impact on daily work in TCs published in scientific journals cited in Social Sciences Citation Index of the Web major topics presented + challenges encountered chronological order completed with new and additional information presented during the 2001 symposium

1. Diagnosis …-1980s: Labeled as emotional and immature persons; believe in human potential 1980s: follow-up of TC-residents intended to improve TC- programmes; introduction of professionals with own knowledge and skills; differential diagnosis due to implementation of DSM-III and ASI = new target groups 1990s: focus on motivation for treatment; client’s needs and expectations

2. Treatment 1970s: Standardised TC-approach: behavioural change, emotional openness + identification with peers + group 1980s: mainly male-oriented; more openness towards females; family counselling, dialogue + less confrontation; specific subgroups 1990s: treatment planning; needs of specific groups; alternative approaches: case management + methadone supply

3. Implementation 1980s: need for research to control ideological ‘overacting’; research by TC-staff members, resistance towards external researchers From mid 1980s: researchers from the outside due to evaluation- and follow-up studie exchange between researchers and practitioners partnership between research-practice Mid 1990s: Involvement in international research projects and networks

4. Evaluation Early TCs: believe in the concept reluctance towards evaluation research with focus on failures From 1980s: common agreement: succes depends on time in programme and motivation; need to improve retention + family involvement (1/3 rule) Since mid 1980s: comparison with other treatment modalities + relapse prevention-techniques; TCs adequate in providing high quality of life for graduates methadone maintenance : long-term treatment + chronic diseases;

5. Methodology 1980s: Importance of empirical-analytical evaluation and follow- up studies lack of theoretical models + adapted methodology 1990s: more qualitative research: more objective understanding of action + use of specific analysis (quantification of qualitative data) New management: measurable evaluation of treatment; qualitative and quantitative methods

6. Organisation …-1980s: no systematic research + classical TC-model 1980s-1990s: adaptation + differentiation of TC-model, (openness towards family,…) Research on planning, networking and co-ordination 1990s-...: Quality management; cost-effectiveness; treatment efficiency; client + personnel satisfaction Need for client matching, adequate interventions Part of an integrated treatment system

Conclusion Never been the first interested, but not negligible: from bastard child to partner Results published in grey literature; easily accessible for practitioners who have no access to scientific journals; Results were often provoking as they introduced changes + catalyst between necessity of a belief system and the reality of external control on methodology Due to economic thinking necessity and value of treatment questioned Easier accessibility of information Stress on networking + co-operation