Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Joseph McMillan

Abstract

Veterans’ treatment courts (VTCs) are problem-solving courts created to address the specific treatment needs of veteran defendants. Consistent with general strain theory, the stressors of military service can lead to negative emotions that have been linked to criminality. Despite the favorable results of studies on the efficacy of VTCs to reduce recidivism, participation is voluntary, and not all eligible candidates elect to participate. The purpose of this study was to discover why defendants choose to opt out. Understanding the barriers to participation is critical for VTC actors charged with providing treatment to as many veterans as possible. A qualitative study was designed to learn from VTC coordinators, prosecuting attorneys, and public defenders in the state of Georgia the reasons why defendants decline VTC participation. The data collected from 33 survey participants were analyzed thematically and suggested the primary reasons for VTC opt-out are rigorous program requirements, readiness to accept treatment, less strenuous alternatives, and the perceptions of programming and leadership. To overcome these obstacles and maximize participation in VTC, respondents recommended programs expand eligibility to more veterans, enhance benefits, reduce program intensity, and raise awareness of VTC as a court processing option. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the factors justice-involved veterans weigh when making VTC determinations and what changes to practice are most likely to result in increased participation. Diverting VTC participants from the prison system has the potential to reduce the financial cost of incarceration and promote the lasting positive social change benefits of restoring veterans to their health, families, and communities.

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