In Illinois, the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act allows veterans courts throughout the state to establish such courts at the local level. Today, there are 18 veterans courts in Illinois spread across 12 counties, with several in Cook County. The courts are relatively new, but evidence shows this approach is working.
Full Answer
How do Veterans Treatment Courts work?
The veterans treatment court model requires regular court appearances, as well as mandatory attendance at treatment sessions, and frequent and random testing for drug and alcohol use. Veterans respond favorably to this structured environment, given their past experiences in the Armed Forces.
What is a veterans specialty court?
Through these specialty courts, those who served in our nations Armed Forces are allowed to participate in the treatment court process with their fellow veterans, re-instilling the sense of camaraderie they felt while in the military.
What is a justice-involved veteran support team?
These team members are not employed by the criminal justice system and normally would not be present at the courthouse. Consolidating justice-involved veterans into a single docket permits these individuals to actively support those in need of their help.
How do veterans affect the criminal justice system?
Left untreated, mental health disorders common among veterans can directly lead to involvement in the criminal justice system. The veterans treatment court model requires regular court appearances, as well as mandatory attendance at treatment sessions, and frequent and random testing for drug and alcohol use.
What is a veteran treatment court?
Veterans Treatment Court is a Veteran Specialty Court designed for adult offenders who have been convicted of a non-violent offense who have been diagnosed with serious mental illness or substance abuse.
What is a mentor in military?
Mentors are veterans or current service duty members who understand the struggles that veterans face like PTSD (and other mental health issues) and substance abuse because of their services to this country.
What is a veteran treatment court judge?
A veterans treatment court judge better understands the issues that a veteran may be struggling with, such as substance addiction, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. A veterans treatment court judge is also more familiar with the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefit Administration, State Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans service organizations, and volunteer veteran mentors and how they can all assist veteran defendants.
Why is a veteran treatment court judge better than a judge who only hears a case involving a
Because a veterans treatment court judge handles numerous veterans' cases and is supported by a strong , interdisciplinary team, he or she is in a much better position to exercise discretion and effectively respond than a judge who only occasionally hears a case involving a veteran defendant.
Do veterans need a treatment court?
However, a few will struggle, and it is exactly those veterans who need a veterans treatment court program the most. Without this structure, these veterans will reoffend and remain in the criminal justice system. The veterans treatment court is able to ensure they meet their obligations to themselves, the court, and their community.
Can veterans be involved in the criminal justice system?
Left untreated, mental health disorders common among veterans can directly lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.
Do veterans stand before judges?
For those who have spent any time in traditional criminal courts, a visit to a veterans treatment court can be a revelation. Veteran defendants stand before the judge at parade rest, saying "Yes, ma'am/sir" or "No, ma'am/sir," and there is interaction with and support from their fellow veterans.
What is Veterans Treatment Court?
Veterans treatment court offers treatment services for SUDs and/or mental health disorders rather than incarceration.
How Does Veterans Treatment Court Work?
Early research on veterans treatment courts shows encouraging results, with many participants reducing substance use as well as mental health symptoms, as exhibiting improved functioning in other areas as well.
Eligibility for Veterans Treatment Court
The eligibility requirements for participating in veterans treatment court vary depending on location. 3 Some courts will accept veterans charged with a misdemeanor or felony, while others will accept only one or the other.
Benefits of Veterans Treatment Court
Veterans treatment courts can improve outcomes for those who have served our country and help better society as a whole. 3 Receiving treatment can help veterans stay sober so they can more effectively manage mental health issues, which can reduce the risk of suicide and additional legal challenges.
Do I Need VA Benefits for Treatment?
You don’t need to be receiving VA benefits to participate in a veterans treatment court. 3 However, VJO staff can help link you to VA benefits and services if you are eligible for them. This can include disability benefits or pension. 3 If you don’t qualify for VA benefits, you can be linked to treatment outside of the VA. 3
Statistics and Effectiveness of Veterans Treatment Court
Although veteran’s treatment courts are relatively new, studies have shown that they are effective. 3,6
Ways to Get in Contact With Us
If you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with addiction, let us hear your story and help you determine a path to treatment.
Veterans Treatment Court Planning Initiative (VTCPI) – Building on Success
In an effort to replicate the success of the first Veterans Courts, an initiative has been launched to help more communities establish Veterans Courts. The 2010 Veterans Treatment Court Planning Initiative (VTCPI) constitutes the first Veterans Treatment Court training program in the Nation.
Legislative Efforts
State legislatures: A number of states have taken steps to promote Veterans Treatment Courts or veterans assistance within the state court system: