Understanding Veterans Treatment Courts: A Theoretical Review and Layered Social Control Framework

Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) have expanded rapidly across the United States, yet they lack a comprehensive theoretical framework to explain how they influence participant outcomes. This integrative literature review examines competing theoretical perspectives applied to VTCs, including therapeutic jurisprudence, rehabilitation, deterrence, procedural justice, and social control. Drawing on 75 scholarly records, the review assesses the extent to which formal, informal, and informal and formal social controls are reflected in descriptions of VTC operations. Findings indicate that all three forms of social control are widespread throughout the literature, with mentoring, treatment, judicial supervision, and Veterans Affairs partnerships frequently identified. Based on these findings, we propose a layered social control framework that integrates accountability, supportive relationships, and veteran-centered resources. The framework offers a more comprehensive explanation of VTC processes and provides a foundation for future theory-driven research and evaluation.