| An outcome and cost-effectiveness evaluation was conducted on three adult Drug Court programs in Kentucky. Multiple research methods were used, including (1) a 12-month post-program follow-up of 745 individuals from three sites comprising 3 study groups (i.e., graduates, dropouts, and a comparison group of individuals assessed as eligible for but who did not enter Drug Court); (2) data from 14 different sources from four areas, including program records, criminal justice records, supplemental data, and face-to-face interviews; (3) interviews with a random sample of 136 graduates and dropouts from the drug court programs; and, (4) the examination of the costs and benefits of Drug Court. Results showed that, particularly for graduates, Drug Court involvement was associated with pronounced reductions in post-discharge incarceration, mental health services use, and in the legal costs associated with criminal charges and convictions. In addition, there was a significant increase in job earnings and in child support payments made by the Drug Court graduates. |
Updated 05/20/2006