SR Protocol_DrugCourtViolentOffenders.docx

Justice-involved individuals experience high rates of substance use issues compared to those that are not institutionalized (Rush et al., 2008). Individuals in this underserved population often become entangled in an incarceration and re-entry cycle due to their unmet mental health and substance use needs (Zgoba et al., 2020). This lack of rehabilitative focus in correctional institutions leads to long-term negative impacts because the root explanation for an individual’s criminality often goes unaddressed. With the excessive rates of behavioral health issues in jails and prisons, it is imperative that empirically supported programs are implemented for justice-involved individuals. Problem-solving courts including drug courts are evidence-based treatment programs for justice-involved individuals with behavioral health issues (Perry et al., 2019). However, individuals with violent offending histories are often excluded from these treatment services despite best practices suggesting otherwise (Jolliffe & Farrington, 2007; Papalia et al., 2019; National Association of Drug Court Professionals, 2018). Little research has examined whether violent offenders could be successful in problem-solving courts if given the opportunity to participate. This systematic review aims to synthesize the available literature examining differences in recidivism outcomes of participants with violent and non-violent offending histories in drug courts.