Veteran Treatment Court Clients’ Perceptions of Procedural Justice and Recidivism

2020 ◽  
pp. 088740342092033
Author(s):  
Cassandra A. Atkin-Plunk ◽  
Gaylene S. Armstrong ◽  
Nicky Dalbir
Keyword(s):  
Procedural Justice ◽  
Criminal Behavior ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Client Perceptions ◽  
Southern State ◽  
Treatment Courts ◽  
Current Sample ◽  
Veterans Treatment Courts ◽  
Treatment Court

Studies surrounding the effectiveness of veterans’ treatment courts (VTCs) are now emerging. Absent from this scholarship is an examination of the presence of procedural justice within VTCs and the influence of procedural justice on future criminal behavior of VTC clients. To begin this dialogue, this study surveys 41 clients enrolled in two VTCs in a Southern state. We explore client perceptions of procedurally just treatment by their judge and assigned supervision officer. Using an average follow-up time of 20 months, this study also examines the effects of perceptions of procedural justice on recidivism of court clients. Results find VTC clients perceive their judge and supervision officer treat them in a procedurally just manner. Interestingly, perceptions of procedural justice during interactions did not result in reduced recidivism among the current sample. Policy and program implications along with recommendations for future research are provided.

A National Survey of Veterans Treatment Court Actors

2020 ◽  
pp. 088740342091141
Author(s):  
Samantha Luna ◽  
Allison D. Redlich
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Veterans Treatment Court ◽  
Treatment Courts ◽  
Violent Offenses ◽  
National Survey Of Veterans ◽  
Veterans Treatment Courts ◽  
Treatment Court ◽  
Research And Policy

Several controversies surround Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs), such as excluding veterans who commit violent offenses and requiring a direct relationship between a veteran’s charges and mental health diagnosis. The aim of this study was to examine VTC actors’ perceptions of these issues via a national survey. VTC Judges, Coordinators, and Veterans Affairs liaisons were presented two randomly assigned hypothetical clients and asked their perceptions of the hypothetical clients’ eligibility for VTC. The violent crime committed by the clients and their mental health diagnoses were manipulated in these scenarios. Participants were also asked for their perceptions of VTC issues and to describe the current practices of their VTCs. Results indicated participants were supportive of the domestic violence client’s participation in VTC, regardless of diagnosis, however most were not supportive of the involuntary manslaughter clients’ participation. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.

scholarly journals Juvenile Homicide Offenders Look Back 35 Years Later: Reasons They Were Involved in Murder

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3932
Author(s):  
Kathleen M. Heide
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Criminal Behavior ◽  
United States Supreme Court ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Interviews ◽  
Juvenile Homicide ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Mandatory Sentencing

Murders committed by juveniles have been a serious concern in the United States for more than 50 years. Decisions by the United States Supreme Court during the 21st century have reduced the likelihood that juvenile homicide offenders will be sentenced to life without parole (LWOP). As a result of these decisions, hundreds of prisoners who were sentenced as juveniles for murder to LWOP under mandatory sentencing statutes or its equivalent are now eligible for the reconsideration of their sentences. In light of these changes in sentencing policies and practices, follow-up research on juveniles convicted of murder is essential. This research is part of a 35-year follow-up study of 59 boys who were convicted of murder and sentenced to adult prisons in a southeastern state, and initially interviewed in the early 1980s. Twenty of these men agreed to participate in clinical interviews during which they reflected upon the reasons (i.e., motives, circumstances) for which they got involved in criminal behavior as juveniles. These reasons, which broadly tap tenets of psychological and sociological theories, were analyzed in terms of predominance. Thereafter, the attention focuses on looking at the relationship of these 20 reasons to recidivism among the 18 juvenile homicide offenders (JHOs) who have been released from prison. JHOs who lived in neighborhoods where crime was routine and who engaged in crime because the opportunity presented itself were approximately 20 and 22.50 times more likely to be arrested post release and returned to prison, respectfully. The implications of these findings, the limitations of the study, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

A Qualitative Examination of the Experiences of Veterans Treatment Court Graduates in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice D. McCall ◽  
Keri L. Rodriguez ◽  
Debra Barnisin-Lange ◽  
Adam J. Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Treatment Team ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Treatment Readiness ◽  
Major Metropolitan Area ◽  
Veterans Treatment Court ◽  
History Of ◽  
Treatment Courts ◽  
Veterans Treatment Courts ◽  
Treatment Court

U.S. Veterans treatment courts (VTCs) serve justice-involved Veterans with behavioral health and reintegration issues. However, there is paucity of efforts examining VTC participants’ experiences and distinguishing the unique operations of VTCs. We summarize a descriptive history of a large VTC program in a major metropolitan area (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and examine the experiences of this VTC’s participants. We used content analysis to code VTC graduation proceeding transcripts with complementary content data from resources distributed by the presiding Judge to entering participants. From 2009 through 2016, 118 Veterans were graduated, averaging 9 to 12 months for completion for those with felony or non-felony charges, and blended monitoring with positive reinforcement within a three-stage program. From 62 VTC graduates across eight graduations, testimonies centered on gratitude toward the treatment team, treatment readiness, treatments received, and reintegration. As several theoretical frameworks on behavior change exist, opportunities remain to enhance the delivery of the VTC.

Extending Recidivism Monitoring for Drug Courts

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen E. DeVall ◽  
Paul D. Gregory ◽  
David J. Hartmann
Keyword(s):  
Drug Treatment ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Substance Abusing ◽  
Recidivism Rates ◽  
Drug Treatment Courts ◽  
Drug Treatment Court ◽  
Treatment Courts ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Treatment Court

A wealth of research has been amassed documenting the effectiveness of drug treatment courts in addressing the needs of substance-abusing individuals involved with the criminal justice system. However, there is a relative dearth of research that examines the long-term impact of these programs on recidivism rates for both drug treatment court graduates and those unsuccessfully discharged from the program. In this study, we examine which demographic and programmatic/legal factors influence program disposition and recidivism rates of participants (both graduates and those unsuccessfully discharged) across the 5 years following their discharge from a drug treatment court program located in a suburban city in the Midwest. The study sample consists of 249 ( N = 249) male participants who have been out of the program for more than 5 years. Results from the univariate and multivariate analyses are provided, as well as policy implications, directions for future research, and study limitations.

Varieties of Veterans’ Courts: A Statewide Assessment of Veterans’ Treatment Court Components

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 740-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne S. Douds ◽  
Eileen M. Ahlin ◽  
Daniel Howard ◽  
Sarah Stigerwalt
Keyword(s):  
Program Planning ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Program Planning And Evaluation ◽  
Statewide Assessment ◽  
Veterans Treatment Court ◽  
Treatment Courts ◽  
Outcome Evaluations ◽  
Veterans Treatment Courts ◽  
Treatment Court ◽  
Common Components

Since the mid-2000s, there has been an upsurge in the development of Veterans’ Treatment Courts (VTCs) to support justice-involved veterans’ treatment needs while also providing criminal justice supervision. Despite their prolific development in recent years, there is a dearth of scholarly research on how VTCs are structured and whether there are common components across courts. There is a need to understand how VTCs are structured and operationally implemented to inform additional program planning and evaluation. To bridge this gap in the literature, this study provides a statewide assessment of the 17 VTCs operating in Pennsylvania, identifies six common components, and highlights areas in which their implementation diverges between courts to meet the specific needs of veterans across Pennsylvania. The results of this study provide a baseline framework to aid future researchers in conducting process and outcome evaluations by documenting and examining the common components of VTCs.

Exploring Therapeutic and Militaristic Contexts in a Veteran Treatment Court

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler J. Vaughan ◽  
Lisa Bell Holleran ◽  
Rachel Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Field Research ◽  
Military Culture ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Drug Treatment Court ◽  
Treatment Courts ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Criminal Conduct ◽  
The Military ◽  
Treatment Court

Recently, the number of veteran treatment courts (VTCs) has greatly expanded. These courts, based on drug treatment court processes, attempt to handle the underlying causes of criminal conduct as well as the instant offense. There is, however, no research that addresses how the military manifests in VTC. We suggest that participants import military culture into VTC processes and that the military will have an influence on VTC proceedings. The purpose of this study is to examine how military and specialty court approaches appear in the VTC. Using results from field research in a VTC in Texas, we find the military has profound influences in VTC proceedings. Military references serve the purpose of structuring the court docket, helping develop rapport between court staff and participants, as well as creating a familiar context for participants. We highlight the value and potential problems of relying on military culture. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.

A Pilot Study of Mobile Telephone Message Interventions with Suicide Attempters in China

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Chen ◽  
Brian L. Mishara ◽  
Xiao Xian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mobile Telephone ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Quick Method ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
To Receive

Background: In China, where follow-up with hospitalized attempters is generally lacking, there is a great need for inexpensive and effective means of maintaining contact and decreasing recidivism. Aims: Our objective was to test whether mobile telephone message contacts after discharge would be feasible and acceptable to suicide attempters in China. Methods: Fifteen participants were recruited from suicide attempters seen in the Emergency Department in Wuhan, China, to participate in a pilot study to receive mobile telephone messages after discharge. All participants have access to a mobile telephone, and there is no charge for the user to receive text messages. Results: Most participants (12) considered the text message contacts an acceptable and useful form of help and would like to continue to receive them for a longer period of time. Conclusions: This suggests that, as a low-cost and quick method of intervention in areas where more intensive follow-up is not practical or available, telephone messages contacts are accessible, feasible, and acceptable to suicide attempters. We hope that this will inspire future research on regular and long-term message interventions to prevent recidivism in suicide attempters.

Post Discharge Clinically Overt Venous Thromboembolism in Orthopaedic Surgery Patients with Negative Venography -an Overview Analysis

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (06) ◽  
pp. 0887-0892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Ricotta ◽  
Alfonso lorio ◽  
Pasquale Parise ◽  
Giuseppe G Nenci ◽  
Giancarlo Agnelli
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Orthopaedic Surgery ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Pharmacological Prophylaxis ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Overview Analysis ◽  
Major Orthopaedic Surgery

SummaryA high incidence of post-discharge venous thromboembolism in orthopaedic surgery patients has been recently reported drawing further attention to the unresolved issue of the optimal duration of the pharmacological prophylaxis. We performed an overview analysis in order to evaluate the incidence of late occurring clinically overt venous thromboembolism in major orthopaedic surgery patients discharged from the hospital with a negative venography and without further pharmacological prophylaxis. We selected the studies published from January 1974 to December 1995 on the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism after major orthopaedic surgery fulfilling the following criteria: 1) adoption of pharmacological prophylaxis, 2) performing of a bilateral venography before discharge, 3) interruption of pharmacological prophylaxis at discharge in patients with negative venography, and 4) post-discharge follow-up of the patients for at least four weeks. Out of 31 identified studies, 13 fulfilled the overview criteria. The total number of evaluated patients was 4120. An adequate venography was obtained in 3469 patients (84.1%). In the 2361 patients with negative venography (68.1%), 30 episodes of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after hospital discharge were reported with a resulting cumulative incidence of 1.27% (95% C.I. 0.82-1.72) and a weighted mean incidence of 1.52% (95% C.I. 1.05-1.95). Six cases of pulmonary embolism were reported. Our overview showed a low incidence of clinically overt venous thromboembolism at follow-up in major orthopaedic surgery patients discharged with negative venography. Extending pharmacological prophylaxis in these patients does not appear to be justified. Venous thrombi leading to hospital re-admission are likely to be present but asymptomatic at the time of discharge. Future research should be directed toward improving the accuracy of non invasive diagnostic methods in order to replace venography in the screening of asymptomatic post-operative deep vein thrombosis.

Clinical Evaluation of the Variables associated with Treatment Acceptability and Their Relation to Compliance

1992 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Reimers ◽  
David P. Wacker ◽  
Linda J. Cooper ◽  
Agnes O. Deraad
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Problem ◽  
Behavior Management ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Treatment Acceptability ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Parental Ratings ◽  
Problem Severity ◽  
The Relationship

The authors examined the acceptability ratings of positive reinforcement procedures recommended to parents seen in a pediatric behavior management outpatient clinic. Parental ratings of acceptability were obtained in the clinic and 1, 3, and 6 months following their initial clinic visit. Acceptability variables were examined by group (parents who rated the acceptability of treatments as high vs. low) and by severity (parents who rated their children's behavior problem as severe vs. mild). The relationship between these variables and reported compliance was also examined. Results show that the acceptability variables were useful in differentiating between parents who rated treatments to be more acceptable and parents who rated treatments to be less acceptable. Differences were also observed as a function of behavior problem severity. Significant correlations occurred between acceptability variables and compliance at each of the follow-up points. Results are discussed in relation to the clinical significance of these findings and the impetus they might serve for future research.

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