Take a Load off Fanny: Peer Mentors in Veterans Treatment Courts

Abstract

This article explores the role of mentors in three veterans treatment courts (VTCs) in two Midwestern states. VTCs have existed for more than 10 years and continue to flourish across local, state, and federal jurisdictions. Yet, little is known about the factors related to program compliance, completion, and reductions in recidivism. Many VTCs consider peer mentors as a key link between the court workgroup, program participants, and ultimately program outcomes. Thus, this study uses individual and focus-group data from interviews with veteran mentors and VTC team members along with field observations in various VTC settings to better understand the role of peer mentors. The research begins with an overview of the recruitment, selection, training, and retention of mentors. Secondly, the study examines the impact of these mentor programs and concludes with recommendations for further evaluation of the role of mentors and other key stakeholders regarding program compliance, completion, and recidivism reduction.