Studies: Mental Health Courts are Cost-Effective and Reduce Recidivism
Two recently released studies of courts in Alaska find that mental health courts contain costs and help to prevent crime. The study of the Anchorage Mental Health Court revealed that the court is cost-effective, with savings far out-pacing the cost of running the court. The study also found that the court reduced recidivism, severity of repeat crimes, and hospitalization and incarceration. Participants reported improved quality of life. A similar study of the Palmer (AK) Mental Health Court revealed similar results. Both studies were sponsored by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. The studies are both available on the Trust’s website.
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