Trauma survivors in a prostitution court: rethinking outcome success measures

Exploring the Relationship between Mental Health and Substance Use, Stable Housing, and Completion of the RISE Court Program

“…This study explores the impact mental health has on participants' ability to complete the program, acquire stable housing, and maintain sobriety. It is important to note that while program completion is a key factor in this study, whether an individual completes the program is not the definitive marker of whether the program works (see Martin et al, 2020). This research is important not only on a theoretical level, but for policy makers and criminal justice administrators.…”

“…The current study aims to bridge the gaps concerning the interplay of these risk factors to help individuals successfully reintegrate and reduce relapse upon exit of these programs. Martin et al (2020) is the only study that focuses on the RISE court program in Texas and factors associated with program success. This study explores the impact mental health has on participants' ability to complete the program, acquire stable housing, and maintain sobriety.…”

“…As such, these specialty courts often target things such as trauma, drug use, and mental health to achieve their goals of reintegrating the involved individuals into their communities, increasing participation in these specialty programs, and reducing recidivism overall. Prostitution courts differ some from other specialty courts in that they use a traumainformed approach because of the substantial traumatic histories of women involved in prostitution (Martin et al, 2020). Specialty courts, including prostitution courts, offer alternatives to imprisonment and may help mitigate the negative effects of an individual's criminal record, which in turn helps with job opportunities and keeping stable housing, which is otherwise difficult with a felony prostitution charge (Martin et al, 2020).…”

“…Prostitution courts differ some from other specialty courts in that they use a traumainformed approach because of the substantial traumatic histories of women involved in prostitution (Martin et al, 2020). Specialty courts, including prostitution courts, offer alternatives to imprisonment and may help mitigate the negative effects of an individual's criminal record, which in turn helps with job opportunities and keeping stable housing, which is otherwise difficult with a felony prostitution charge (Martin et al, 2020). Prostitution courts keep their focus on things such as substance abuse treatment, trauma counseling, mental healthcare, and developing a powerful sense of community, which aids the participating individuals overall (Mueller, n.d).…”

“…Prostitution courts often operate on a referral basis either by one's attorney or judge. Many prostitution courts also require routine testing for substances, as one of the main goals of prostitution courts is encouraging sobriety due to the strong relationship between trauma, addiction, and sex work (Martin et al, 2020). In their evaluation of the Changing Actions to Habits (CATCH) Court in Franklin County, Ohio, Begun and Hammond (2012) found that the program rules and responsibilities are discussed with each woman after the initial screening for participation.…”