Cost and Benefit of Adult Drug Treatment Courts: A Bayesian Meta-Analysis

• In Event: Drug Treatment Courts in the Age of Narcotics Epidemic

Abstract

Drug courts have been a well-established form of diversionary programming within the criminal justice system for over 3 decades now. Research on drug courts has progressed through three generations: 1. Do they work, 2. How do they work, and 3. Are they cost-effective? There have been several meta-analyses concerning performance outcomes for drug courts. However, there has been two meta-analyses to date concerning costs and cost savings for drug courts (Downey & Roman, 2010; WSIPP, 2015). This study seeks to expand the third generation of drug court research by conducting a meta-analysis of cost-benefit studies for drug courts utilizing a Bayesian framework. In an era of fiscal frugality and getting “the most bang for your buck”, this study seeks to provide recommendations for improving policy and practice for drug courts across the nation.

Author

• Douglas Routh, Washington State University