Evaluation of Manhattan Felony Alternative to Incarceration Court

• In Event: Considering Mental Health in Courts and Sentencing

Abstract

A first of its kind specialty court, the Manhattan Felony Alternative to Incarceration program, operated in partnership with the Center for Justice Innovation, allows individuals facing higher level charges, including some violent offenses, to remain in the community to receive treatment and services in lieu of incarceration or a lengthy probation sentence. To assess the court’s impact on key justice system outcomes, including disposition and recidivism, MDRC’s Center for Criminal Justice Research is conducting a multi-method evaluation, employing a propensity score matching design to determine the court’s effects over its five-year operating life. For participants with substance use disorders, the study also examines program data to conduct an outcomes analysis of well-being indicators, such as housing stability, employment, education, and ongoing service engagement. Lastly, implementation of the peer-support recovery services is measured.

Authors

• Sarah Picard, MDRC

• Melanie Skemer, MDRC

• Rae Walker, MDRC