From Data to Action: Tackling Racial Disparities with the RED Tool in Treatment Courts 

The Racial and Ethnic Disparities Initiative (REDI) at American University is proud to announce the publication of their article Maintaining fidelity to the treatment court model through evaluation: The racial and ethnic disparities (RED) program assessment tool, as featured in in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. This study, which analyzed treatment courts nationwide, utilized the Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED) Program Assessment Tool (RED tool). The web-based tool collects information on multiple aspects of treatment court programming where racial and ethnic disparities may exist. Additionally, based on the court’s responses, they receive scores on seven out of the eight sections on the tool and an overall score accompanied by recommendations that are generated for courts on how to alleviate racial and ethnic disparities in their program.  

The treatment court model has consistently been proven more effective at reducing recidivism than traditional approaches, such as incarceration or probation. However, treatment court outcomes have been disproportionately positive for white participants, compared to racial and ethnic minority participants. In a recent study with a sample of over 14,000 treatment court participants, African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos had a lower graduation rate than white participants.  

The current study, which was conducted from 2020 to 2022, was based upon the voluntary participation of treatment courts (n=151). The study collected data from nine states, utilizing targeted questions to analyze each court. The RED tool identified existing racial and ethnic disparities within each individual court and recommended steps to promote equity in outcomes.  

The objective of this study was to answer two research questions, which were as follows:  

  1. Do treatment courts have fidelity to the model by completing evaluation on a regular basis to assess program effectiveness?  
  1. Do racial and ethnic disparities exist in treatment court graduation rates? 

Participating treatment courts were scored in seven areas based on their responses to the RED tool: court background, intake criteria, assessments, court team, training, treatment and services, and evaluation and monitoring. The table below compiles the mean score in each category, with higher scores signifying better compliance with best practice standards. These scores are to be used as a baseline for courts to track their progress from their initial assessment to re-assessment after best practice recommendations are implemented.  

Regarding evaluation and monitoring, half of the participating treatment courts reported tracking outcomes in some capacity post-program. However, only 41% of the participating courts provided graduation outcomes based on race and ethnicity, suggesting the other 59% of courts lack the infrastructure to track or examine graduation outcomes based on race and ethnicity.  

The average score of treatment court best practice adherence across all categories for this study was 59.85%. REDI would like to emphasize that these results should not be viewed punitively, but as a testament to the importance of consistent evaluation and adherence to best practice standards with attention to disparities in outcomes and experiences that may exist for minoritized participants. 

The results of this study show evidence of racial and ethnic disparities in treatment court outcomes. Graduation rates were lower on average for minoritized participants (specifically African American and Hispanic participants) than for white participants. See the table below for more information. Furthermore, only 13% of responding treatment courts reported sometimes or always implementing policies to address racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes. 

The majority of the disparities in the sample identified with the RED tool can be rectified by following best practice standards. For example, completing regular and comprehensive evaluations for potential racial and ethnic disparities, as well as aligning with treatment providers that utilize individualized, evidence-based interventions. 

Treatment courts are an important sector of the recovery process for individuals struggling with substance use, connecting participants with resources and ensuring the path to recovery is accessible to all. This September marks the 35th annual National Recovery Month, according to SAMHSA. Established in 1989 to celebrate and destigmatize recovery from substance use and mental health conditions, National Recovery Month recognizes the millions of Americans that have struggled with substance use, and ensures that resources and support are accessible to all who need them.  

Thank you for supporting our work. For any questions or comments, please contact redtool@american.edu.