Sanctioning perceptions and experiences of VTC participants

• In Event: Sanctioning in Veterans Treatment Courts: Policies, Implementation Fidelity, Impact, and Experience

Abstract

Approximately 400 VTC programs are operational nationwide, and the majority of these courts report a system of sanctions as a part of their programs. Following examinations of sanctioning policies, implementation, perceptions of staff, and impact on program success, this study focuses on VTC participants’ perceptions and experiences of program sanctions. Using self-report data from an in-depth VTC study, the study discovers which sanctions are most and least applied by the program and which sanctions participants consider to be most and least severe, as well as why they are perceived as such. Additionally, this study examines whether certain participant characteristics are correlated with particular sanction assignments, perceptions, reasons, and experiences. Program implications are discussed.

Authors

• Erika Brooke, University of Florida

• Julie Marie Baldwin, American University