Examining implementation and preliminary performance indicators of veterans treatment courts: The Kentucky experience. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shannon, Lisa M.; Birdwhistell, Shira; Hulbig, Shelia K.; Jones, Afton Jackson; Newell, Jennifer; Payne, Connie
• Is Part Of: Evaluation and program planning. Volume 63(2017)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Problem-solving courts -- Veterans' treatment court -- Communication -- Camaraderie -- Mentoring -- Accountability; Health planning -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2017.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7189

Abstract

Highlights: Veterans treatment court (VTC) offers rehabilitation in a non-traditional setting. Preliminary data suggests VTCs are a viable and successful option for veterans. Successful implementation requires various components, services, and accountability. Communication, collaboration, and defined protocols are critical to success. Unique features of the VTC, including mentoring and camaraderie, promote success. Abstract: Veterans' Treatment Courts (VTCs) are posited as a solution to offer rehabilitation for veterans involved in the criminal justice system. Despite the pervasive implementation of VTCs, there is little research focused specifically on VTC implementation and outcomes, which are based on other problem-solving court models such as drug court. The current study presents qualitative process evaluation data from key stakeholders ( n = 21) and veteran participants ( n = 4) to show accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned during first-year implementation at two VTC sites. Quantitative performance data is also presented on veteran participants ( n = 19) served during the first year to show: types of services, monitoring, judicial interaction, sanctions/therapeutic responses, and rewards, as well as preliminary data on recidivism. Qualitative data, from both key stakeholders and veteran participants, suggests that offering rehabilitation via various program components, services/referrals, and accountability are critical to the success of the VTC. Data also provides valuable lessons learned for VTC implementation including communication, collaboration, information/protocols, and resources. Performance data shows that a variety of services are utilized and that frequent judicial interaction, drug testing, and sanctions are cornerstones of the VTC. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.