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Abstract

Background: This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of accountability courts in Georgia, presenting them as a viable alternative in public health policy.

Methods: The research utilized survey data collected from 37 court programs across 40 distinct accountability court programs; it was conducted by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government in collaboration with the Council of Accountability Court Judges. The analysis includes a comparative assessment of cost savings, benefits, and differences among various court types, specifically focusing on drug courts, DUI courts, mental health courts, family treatment courts, and veterans treatment courts.

Results: Results reveal that accountability courts generate significant annual savings, averaging $23,727 per participant, resulting in total estimated benefits exceeding $8.87 million. These savings stem from reduced incarceration costs, increased tax revenue, avoided healthcare expenses, and lower victimization costs. Furthermore, the research reveals significant differences in program characteristics. Participants in DUI courts tended to complete their programs more expediently, incur higher fees, and engage in more community service hours. Conversely, individuals in mental health and family treatment court reported lower fees, incomes, and health insurance coverage.

Conclusions: Findings highlight the broader societal implications of accountability courts, emphasizing their potential to curtail correctional costs and address salient public health issues.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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