Project Description
This three-year study set will evaluate four types of courts, general, driving while intoxicated (DWI), drug and hybrid drug. Drug treatment courts (DTC) represent a promising innovation for dealing with crimes committed by offenders who have an underlying addiction problem. Specialty courts combine standard deterrence efforts with treatment.
Project Aims
This study has two aims.
Aim 1 examines effects of drug and alcohol courts on the probability of (1) repeating substance abuse-related crimes for which the person was convicted (recidivism); (2) being convicted of domestic violence related crimes; and (3) being convicted of other crimes to person and to property.
Aim 2 examines whether drug treatment courts have an intergenerational effect by improving the outcomes for the youth whose parents are served.
Project Goals
Specifically this study:
- examines whether drug treatment courts affect the length of time that youth spend in foster care;
- assesses whether these courts lead to improved educational outcomes for foster children (e.g., improved test scores, retention in grade, lower absences);
- examines the effect of DTCs on the probability that the children of substance abusers commit crimes as juveniles or young adults.
Project Findings
How Does Family Drug Treatment Court Participation Affect Child Welfare Outcomes?
Criminally Involved Parents Who Misuse Substances and Children's Odds of Being Arrested as a Young Adult: Do Drug Treatment Courts Mitigate the Risk?
Intergenerational Effects of Parental Substance-Related Convictions and Adult Drug Treatment Court Participation on Children's School Performance