“…Previous studies have drawn similar conclusions, arguing that the integration of treatment into the criminal justice system makes treatment accessible to individuals who might not otherwise receive it (Knight & Farabee, 2004) and that intervening while offenders are involved in the criminal justice system can also result in fewer problems with treatment compliance (Leukefeld, Staton, Webster, & Smiley McDonald, 2005). Although past research has questioned the effectiveness of court-mandated treatment (Kownacki & Shadish, 1999; Peck et al, 1985; Wells-Parker, 1989), studies have argued that identifying and treating offenders’ substance abuse and other underlying problems early in the criminal justice system process, including the use of court-mandated treatment, can potentially reduce recidivism rates (Robertson, Gardner, Xu, & Costello, 2009; Taxman, Cropsey, Young, & Wexler, 2007; Webster et al, 2009a). In this study, evidence of repeat offenders’ increased involvement in the criminal justice system underscores the importance of addressing offenders’ substance use and mental health treatment needs while under court supervision, particularly in rural areas where treatment options are often limited or absent.…”