Written by Cadence Judge, ELAP intern
As our nation gives thanks to all those who have served our country this Veterans Day, we at ELAP want to direct attention to an often-overlooked issue: the challenges veterans face in the justice system.
Following time in service, between 6 and 13% of Veterans (depending on gender) will suffer from PTSD. Out of the 17.6 million veterans currently in the U.S., more than two million have or will disproportionately suffer from PTSD, in addition to increased rates of addiction, service injuries, and other mental health issues.
Although the U.S. has numerous systems set up to support veterans, from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to local non-profits, these extra hardships lead to higher arrest rates as approximately one-third of the nation’s Veterans have been arrested.
One national program dedicated to addressing these challenges facing Veterans is the Veteran Treatment Court Program. These are dedicated problem-solving courts that recognize the unique challenges facing Veterans by integrating alcohol, drug treatment, and mental health services with a non-adversarial approach to criminal issues.
The first Veteran Treatment Court was developed in 2008 in New York following an increasing number of Veterans appearing in both the Drug and Mental Health Courts. This program has now grown to more than 550 Veteran Treatment Courts nationwide.
Locally, King County has its own Regional Veterans Court (RVC), which operates with similar goals and methods.
Veterans facing either felony or municipal court cases must be referred to the Regional Veterans Court by the Prosecutor, while Veterans in state misdemeanor cases can be referred by any party.
Once referred to the Regional Veterans Court, Veterans will appear in court to meet with the RVC team (made up legal professionals, mental health, and community support specialists, and mentors) to screen for eligibility and provide information on individual needs. Eligible Veterans will need to enter a case disposition and will then receive an individualized treatment plan created by the Court Clinician.
Although each plan is unique, typical conditions include active engagement with treatment and a requirement to maintain court approved housing (which the RVC team can assist with).
Veterans will initially return to court for reviews on a regular basis and then as needed when requested by the Judge.
Veteran Treatment Courts across the country have allowed Veterans to gain access to health and housing resources and avoid incarceration. With a program graduation rate of 78% and a re-arrest rate of only 4% after 24 months, these courts play an integral role in supporting veterans.
More information on eligibility and expectations can be found on King County’s RVC page.
King County also offers a Veterans Program which provides supportive services to veterans and servicemembers and their families outside of the court system.
