Is this enlistment voluntary? Perceptions of voluntariness in a veterans treatment court

• In Event: Veterans in veterans treatment courts: Examining participants, language, perceptions, and progress

Abstract

Research has examined perceptions of voluntariness in drug and mental health courts. To date, these perceptions have not been explored in the veterans treatment courts (VTCs), the most recent addition to the specialized court movement. Due to their recent creation, preliminary research on these courts is just beginning to emerge. Focusing on VTC participants, this study explores the perceptions regarding voluntariness of participation using qualitative and quantitative data from one of the first VTC program evaluations. Implications of these findings and recommended courses for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Megan Kienzle, SUNY Brockport

• Julie Marie Baldwin, University of Arkansas at Little Rock