This article presents the preliminary results of adapting and using the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-2 (SASSI) with criminal justice populations. Through pilot testing with 200 probationary and 100 pretrial adult criminal offenders referred to Illinois Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities, separate norms based on the SASSI-2 were developed for making treatment referral decisions. Analysis of SASSI-2 data collected from larger samples of criminal offenders showed that it appears to accurately screen for chemical dependency and that the treatment referrals based on the norms developed in the initial pilot study were reasonable. The SASSI-2 Corrections subscale also distinguished well between offenders with more extensive criminal histories and those with fewer prior arrests. Although more rigorous validation studies are needed, it is recommended that the SASSI-2 be considered for use with criminal justice populations when a brief, objective, and accurate screening tool for chemical dependency is needed.
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