TASC, an offender case management program, is designed to link drug-using offenders within the criminal justice system to community-based drug abuse treatment as an alternative or supplement to criminal penalties. Elements of the TASC case management model include identifying drug abusers, assessing their need for treatment, matching them to the most appropriate treatment program, and monitoring their performance during treatment. TASC programs vary considerably; for example, some TASC programs are located within criminal justice or community health agencies, while others operate as independent entities. Some TASC programs target first-time offenders, while others focus on more hardcore addicts with serious criminal records. The GAO review indicates the TASC program model incorporates many elements that contribute to effective drug abuse treatment, such as coordinated criminal justice and treatment efforts, incentives to enter treatment, matching of offenders with appropriate treatment, and offender monitoring with drug testing. Nonetheless, certain barriers limit TASC potential, including inadequate funding, the fact that criminal justice block grant funds are generally not used for TASC, inconsistent implementation of the TASC program model, and limited impact on the offender population. The GAO recommends that the Office of National Drug Control Policy identify additional cities that may benefit from TASC programs and determine how TASC programs should be funded. Appendixes contain further information on the TASC program model and a list of drug abuse treatment experts. 9 footnotes