Citation

Easter MM, Swanson JW, Crozier WE, Robertson AG, Garrett BL, Modjadidi K, Swartz MS. Psychiatr. Serv. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

10.1176/appi.ps.202000868

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Treatment courts aim to reduce criminal recidivism by addressing the behavioral health care needs of persons with psychiatric or substance use disorders that contribute to their offending. Stable funding and access to behavioral health providers are crucial elements of success for the treatment court model. What happens when courts lose state funding and must rely on local initiatives and resources? In this study, a survey of North Carolina treatment court professionals identified resource gaps and unmet needs. The authors argue that continuing state investment could make treatment courts more viable and effective. Medicaid expansion is a potential new resource for these problem-solving courts.

Language: en

Keywords

Criminal justice; Alcohol and drug abuse; Behavioral healthcare access; Insurance; Public policy issues; Treatment court