Veteran's Treatment Courts: Alternative Justice for the Criminal Veteran
Abstract
Throughout history, many civilizations asserted the need for a military, employed the military during conflict, and integrated the returning veteran into society. Some veterans require behavioral adjustment when returning from war to civilization. This can be a challenge for some veterans. Societal and economic burdens, along with physiological or psychological injuries, create challenges to assimilation. Studies, statistics and research also implicate the Department of Defense discharge from duty process, along with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation and pension procedures as specific challenges to U.S. soldiers reentering society. Some veterans who fail to adapt to societal norms are arrested and enter the criminal justice system. Judges and probation officers took notice of an increasing trend of ignored symptoms and treatment for these veterans; thus, judicial employees and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals established Veteran Treatment Courts (VTC) based on their existing drug court model. Working with local VA counselors, VTC attempt to transition military veteran offenders from the criminal justice system into VA treatment centers for care and rehabilitation. As most VTC are less than three years old, statistics for the courts are limited. Pending federal legislation can improve the measurement and operation of VTC. Evaluation of the initial assessments indicates a low recidivism rate among VTC graduates. New Jersey state courts successful alternative, Veteran Assistance Program, proudly asserts a zero recidivism rate. Currently, VTC provide the best legal venue, as well as treatment and rehabilitation option for military veteran offenders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- AD1030890
Entities
People
- Mark S. Nehls
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College