May 2, 2024
The first veterans treatment court (VTC) was created in Buffalo, New York in January 2008. The number of VTCs has since grown to over 600 in the United States as of 2021, with much of that expansion taking place since 2016. May is National Treatment Court or Problem-Solving Courts Month, and this year we have focused on several new state and local initiatives addressing the needs of veterans in the justice system.
In 2024 Frederick and Washington District Courts in Maryland launched a VTC which will serve veterans in both counties and connect them with military service member benefits. This is the tenth veterans court and the second regional or multicounty problem-solving court in Maryland. Veterans will be able to resolve criminal offenses and receive treatment that will help them stabilize their lives. According to the Maryland Judiciary, “The goal of the regional veterans treatment court is to reduce recidivism and help connect eligible participants to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, local resources, long-term supportive housing, and other benefits for participants whose service-related disabilities prevent their return to the workforce.” The program will start in mid-2024.
Florida’s Senate proposed nonrecurring funds for a veterans treatment court in Santa Rosa County. Florida already has 32 veterans courts in operation. The appropriation would help start the service in Santa Rosa County and provide services to veterans as they are doing in other Florida counties.
In their 79th podcast of All Things Judicial, the North Carolina Judicial Branch recently focused on the VTC in District 11A. They discussed the court’s process, the issues veterans face when returning to civilian life, and the experiences of Veterans Court Director Zane Campbell, who was a VTC graduate himself. The mission of the VTC is to help veterans involved in the court system due to mental health disorders, trauma, and substance use. The court aims to connect eligible veterans with benefits and treatment earned through military service.
Minnesota’s Third Judicial District VTC is celebrating its fifth year and continues to offer treatment for substance abuse or mental health disorders. The court also helps veterans with transportation for VA appointments, and the program takes 12 to 18 months to complete.
Is your court planning to create a VTC? Email us at Knowledge@ncsc.org or call 800-616-6164 and let us know. Follow the National Center for State Courts on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Vimeo. For more Trending Topics posts, visit ncsc.org/trendingtopics or subscribe to the LinkedIn newsletter.