Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9473-5670

Date of Award

1-10-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Dr. Frances Chen

Second Advisor

Dr. William Sabol

Third Advisor

Dr. Eric Sevigny

Abstract

Research on the effectiveness of mental health and drug courts often does not consider issues with selection effects. Selection effects can occur if there are differences between the target population, those referred, and those accepted. This leads to results that could be biased and not generalizable across jurisdictions. The current study utilizes a Probit model to examine the likelihood of referral and the likelihood of acceptance into mental health and drug court based on court specific eligibility criteria. The sample consisted of 28,058 probationers across four court circuits wherein 240 were referred, and 135 were accepted to either mental health or drug court. The analysis examining the probability of referral reveals differences between the target population and referrals based on criminal history. This presents issues with the alignment between the accountability courts goal (i.e., target population) and who in practice is referred. The analysis examining the probability of acceptance reveals differences between referrals and acceptances based on risk and need. This directly impacts research that utilizes referred but not accepted comparison groups, drawing into question the validity and generalizability of results on effectiveness. Together, these findings highlight the importance of knowing who accountability courts are effective for when interpreting results of effectiveness research. However, the small number of individuals referred and accepted demonstrates the small overall impact of mental health and drug courts.

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