A meta-analysis on the effectiveness of moral reconation therapy and Veterans treatment court for reducing recidivism

Abstract: Veterans recidivism is the tendency to relapse into criminal behavior following a previous offense and is caused by a combination of psychological, interpersonal, and financial factors. The alarming increase in veterans returning to criminal activities compels more research to determine the effectiveness of interventions. We will examine Veteran Treatment Courts (VTCs), and Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) approaches to shed light on problems veterans experience after serving in the military which contribute to recidivism. The research question addressed the effectiveness of Moral Reconation Therapy and Veteran Treatment Courts in reducing recidivism among veterans. It hypothesized that Moral Reconation Therapy and Veteran Treatment Courts will be effective. Mental health and substance use were identified as primary challenges that lead to a relapse into criminal activities. The study is crucial to determine adjustments in veterans’ behavior and cognition and adoptions of beliefs that lessen recidivism. The VTCs and MRT aid veterans through diversion programs that constitute the traditional criminal justice system for alternative care programs to reverse criminogenic thoughts and antisocial attitudes, which support acts of crime. The approaches further treat veterans affected by substance abuse to improve their lives. Through VTCs and MRT, veterans go through a rigorous process to enhance personal accountability by breaking their criminal and drug abuse cycle. Qualitative studies help determine the effectiveness of the approaches. In the study presented a meta-analysis approach, in conjunction with various empirical studies, was used to conduct research on the role of VTCs and MRT in reducing recidivism among veterans.

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