Star R

Lead Institution: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Status: Active

Research type: Hybrid Type 1 Randomized Controlled Trial

Setting(s): Jail/Reentry

PI: David Smelson

StarR-logo

Maintaining Independence and Sobriety Through Systems Integration, Outreach, and Networking - Criminal Justice (MISSION-CJ)

MISSION-CJ is a comprehensive support model for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, combining treatment, recovery services, and proactive outreach. Early evidence shows it can improve treatment engagement, enhance mental health, and reduce jail returns. The Supporting Treatment Access and Recovery in Re-Entry (STAR-R) study compares MISSION-CJ to peer linkage support (PLS) to determine whether MISSION-CJ leads to greater treatment participation, reduced substance use and overdose risk, better mental health, and fewer legal problems. Researchers also examine factors that shape these outcomes, such as distancing from negative influences and strengthening community connections. The study further assesses the cost of implementing MISSION-CJ and evaluates its cost-effectiveness relative to PLS and traditional reentry supports.

Study Aims

Compare those receiving PLS with MISSION-CJ for rates of engagement, substance use, overdose risk, overdoses, mental health symptoms, and criminal legal recidivism

Examine mechanisms impacting outcomes

Estimate the implementation (start-up and ongoing) costs associated with MISSION-CJ and PLS, and compare the two programs’ cost-effectiveness from healthcare-system and societal perspectives

Examine facilitators and challenges of MISSION-CJ implementation via qualitative interviews with participants and staff

Principal Investigator

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David Smelson, PsyD

University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

MPI

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Paige Shaffer, MPH, PhD

University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Co-Investigators

  • Todd Olmstead, PhD, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
  • Andrea Finley, PhD, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
  • Sybil Crawford, PhD, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School