Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Tracy Jackson

Abstract

Women comprise one of the fastest growing populations of the criminal justice system, yet little research exists concerning the success of these women completing a coed pretrial drug court diversion program. Trauma theory was applied to inform the variables in this quantitative correlational study. The predictive nature of age, educational level, marital status, violent criminal history, and mental health problems for women were examined in relation to completion of a coed pretrial drug court diversion program. A convenience sample from secondary, archival data was obtained from a criminal justice agency in Washington, DC. The dataset included women who participated in the program between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2014. Logistic regression models were used to predict the likelihood of whether these women completed drug court and determine which independent variables were likely to increase or decrease the probability of program completion. Results of the study failed to yield statistically significant relationships between the variables examined. However, the findings indicate possible relationships between marriage and drug court completion, and postsecondary education and drug court completion, which require additional research. Implications for positive social change are drawn for other criminal justice agencies, drug courts, and administrators for enhancing program delivery and reducing women's recidivism.

Download

Share

 
COinS