Filip Cammaert’s scientific contributions

as a one year project, but after the first year the decision was taken to prolong the research in order to allow for a better foundation of the results. The second part of the research started 1 December 2005 and the project was concluded on 30 November 2006 I. OBJECTIVES The current study is aimed at the different alternative sanctions and measures that exist on the three levels of the criminal justice system. These alternative sanctions and measures can be applied to a specific target group, namely drug users. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the application of these measures and sanctions for drug users. The first part of the evaluation aimed at measuring the effects alternative sanctions and measures generate for drug users. This effect study was based on a pre post design, in which judicial files served as the main data sources for retrieving data concerning criminal activity and living circumstances of the drug users. The second part of the evaluation consisted of a qualitative assessment of the application and execution of alternative measures and sanctions. Face-to-face interviews were held with practitioners and with drug users on whom an alternative measure or sanction was imposed. Based on the two parts of the evaluation, two questions can thus be answered: ▪ What are the effects of alternative measures and sanctions regarding recidivism and improvement in several life spheres? (Part II of this document) ▪ How do relevant actors and drug users look upon alternative measures and sanctions and which factors play a role in their attitudes? (Part III of this document) II. EFFECT STUDY A. Introduction In the Belgian social, academic and policy context, the application of alternative sanctions and measures for drug users is increasingly stimulated. Belgian knowledge concerning the effectiveness of alternative measures and sanctions, however, is still largely based upon American effect studies. In the United States, effect studies gain in importance, whereas Europe lags behind. Effect studies are rarely conducted in Europe and even for meta-analyses European authors are thus forced to rely mainly on American research results. Every effect study that is conducted in Europe thus adds to the knowledge that is so badly needed in this field. The current research is aimed at measuring effects of alternative measures and sanctions [ 1 ] for drug users. The objective of the research is to examine whether alternative measures and sanctions generate effects, and if so, what is the nature of these effects.