Veterans Treatment Courts - An Analysis: No one Left Behind

Abstract

Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) are a specific type of diversionary criminal justice program first established in 2008 to address a noticeable increase in veteran interaction with the criminal justice system. In the past forty years, overall incarceration rates in the US have increased 500% largely due to criminalization of underlying public health issues, particularly substance abuse and mental health challenges. Nearly half of all veterans in prison and jail have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Herein is a comprehensive examination of the history and implementation of VTCs including identification of best practices and a discussion about their role and continuing viability. It is based on a systematic literature review, including but not limited to, peer-reviewed scholarly articles, publications, media reports and fact sheets, as well as official government studies and court reports. The results of this research indicate there are now nearly 500 VTCs across the country including an astonishing 116 new courts just from 2015 to 2016. In one national study, recidivism among participants was measured at 14%, substantially less than the 23-46% one year recidivism rate found among US prisoners overall. Per person cost savings of VTCs was also measured at approximately $20,000 as compared to incarceration. In another study, access to health benefits increased by 17% for VTC participants. It is clear that more long term and comprehensive studies are needed to properly evaluate the VTC model. Along with standardization of performance metrics and strengthened adherence to known best practices this model deserves continuing investment. Keywords: Veterans, VTCs, Recidivism, Incarceration, Substance Abuse, Mental Health