Date of Conferral
8-7-2024
Date of Award
August 2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Policy and Administration
Advisor
Cindy Blankenship
Abstract
Support for criminal justice reform is growing due to scrutiny of high incarceration rates and recidivism. Military veterans within the criminal justice system are included in correctional populations. Veterans’ unique experiences involving combat trauma require alternative treatments to reduce their involvement with the justice system. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore lived experiences of male military veterans with misdemeanor criminal records. This phenomenological qualitative study involved using the homecoming theory to explore lived experiences of male military veterans with criminal records. Research questions related to understanding lived veteran experiences that led to their involvement with the criminal justice system and their criminogenic needs. Participants were 10 male veterans with criminal records using Veteran Treatment Courts. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, coded, and thematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Male veterans involved in the justice system expressed ambivalent trust in the military, civilians, and criminal justice system, highlighting a need for unwavering military culture and support. As a result, changes are needed in the veterans administration system and United States military to foster a familiar and trustworthy military culture. This can improve resource allocation and discharge planning, streamlining programs that reduce veterans’ contact with the criminal justice system.
Recommended Citation
Cabbagestalk, Verona Ann, "Impact of Veteran Treatment Courts on Lived Experiences of Male Military Veterans with Misdemeanor Criminal Records" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16271.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16271
