In
2012, Michigan had just six veterans treatment courts. Today, that number has
more than tripled to twenty, and Michigan leads the country in the number of
veterans treatment courts.
These
courts are a type of “problem-solving court,” which are courts tailored to a
specific population of people or addressing a certain realm of issues. The
veterans’ treatment courts use a hybrid of drug court and mental health court
principles to serve military and veterans, as well as active-duty personnel.
This
past Veterans Day, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young, Jr.
praised the growth of these courts: “Veterans treatment courts are growing
because they are working. Today, we are seeing firsthand that this initiative
is saving lives and strengthening communities by helping veterans rebuild
productive lives with their families.”
These
courts promote sobriety, recovery, and stability to help veterans deal with
serious problems of addiction, mental illnesses, and other disorders. Through a
coordinated response that involves collaboration with the Veterans Affairs
health care networks, Veterans Benefits Administration, the state DAV, and
volunteer mentors and organizations that support veterans and their families,
these courts are able to steer veterans clear of jail or prison time.
Indeed,
these programs have helped veterans turn their lives around, avoid costly
incarceration, and help reintegrate veterans into their communities and
families. The program is a part of the state Supreme Court’s broader mission to
help local trial courts implement best practices that improve service to the
public. Michigan currently has 174 problem-solving courts that reach a reported
97% of Michiganders.
In
November, the Michigan Supreme Court held a Veterans Treatment Court Forum,
which brought together judges, administrators, mentors, and veteran graduates
of these programs. Workshops were held to discuss the issues veterans face and the
resources needed for these courts to properly address those issues – suicide
prevention, online veterans assistance programs, and recruiting veteran mentors
to be vital line of support for people in the program.
“Military
veterans accused of crimes often present unique issues related to their
military service,” said Judge Richard Bell, who presides over the Ingham County
Veterans Treatment Court. “The veterans treatment court is able to bring a
variety of resources to the issues presented by the veteran charged with a
crime, and more often than not is able to redirect the veteran into the
adoption of a positive lifestyle.”
In a
year where good news for veterans has been at a shortage, at least Michigan
veterans and their families can look to the growth of these courts as a
positive. These courts offer the opportunity to address the underlying issues
common to veterans. While it may be unfortunate circumstances that lead a
veteran to these courts, veterans can count on these programs to give them a
great opportunity to be reintegrated with their families and communities.
If you
are a veteran and have criminal misdemeanor issues or VA disability issues,
contact us for assistance.
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