Veterans Courts and Recidivism: Outcomes of a Mature Veterans Court

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

Veterans courts are a fairly recent addition to the list of problem solving courts. Thus, there has been very little research on recidivism levels among participants. An evaluation of an urban veterans court was conducted to determine whether participation and successful completion resulted in fewer new criminal charges when compared to prior participation in the court, when compared to unsuccessfully discharged clients, and when compared to those who were referred to the court but were denied or refused. Successfully discharged clients had a 78% decrease in charges filed after participation in the program. Completing the Veterans Court program was significantly related to receiving fewer new charges and new felony charges regardless of age and prior criminal history. Participation in the court did not necessarily lead to significantly fewer new charges. When comparing all program participants to those who were referred but refused or denied there was not a significant difference in the rate of new charges. The implications of these findings for the future of veterans courts is discussed.

Author

• Clete Snell, University of Houston - Downtown