Impact and Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Anchorage Wellness Court

Author(s): John Roman, Aaron Chalfin, Jay Reid, Shannon ReidOther Availability: PDF Printer-Friendly PagePosted to Web: August 06, 2008Permanent Link: http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=411746

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Abstract
The primary goal of this research is to estimate the costs and benefits of serving misdemeanor DUI offenders in the Anchorage Wellness Court (AWC), a specialized court employing principles of therapeutic jurisprudence. The Urban Institute conducted an impact and a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to estimate the effectiveness of the AWC. The study focused on the impact of the program on reducing the prevalence and incidence of new criminal justice system contact. Costs were collected to estimate the opportunity cost of the AWC. Recidivism variables were monetized to estimate the benefits from crime reductions. Outcomes were observed at 24, 30, 36, and 48 months.

Given all the recent news about Governor Palin I'm surprised there is something called a wellness court in Alaska. The full report is availble in pdf at the above link. Tom

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