New Jersey Considers Adding Special Courts To Help Veterans
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There are special courts designed for veterans who are facing charges stemming from mental health issues and substance abuse. Pennsylvania has more of these courts than most other states, but there are none in New Jersey. Now, there's a move afoot to change that.
The sole focus in Veterans Treatment Courts is on the men and women who served our country with honor, but stumbled at home -- their behavior possibly influenced by the trauma of war.
"Instead of locking them up, Veterans Treatment Courts hold them accountable by connecting them to intense treatment, supervising them closely, and working with them to confront these issues head-on," says Melissa Fitzgerald, who heads Justice for Vets, a non-profit that works to expand these programs and fights for funding.
There are more than 260 such courts in 37 states serving more than 13,000 people who might otherwise be behind bars. In New Jersey, a task force is holding hearings over the next month on how vets are treated in the justice system and could recommend the state join that crowd.
"In this setting," Fitzgerald says, "we find that veterans struggling with serious issues are able to embrace the help that's being offered."
At JusticeForVets.org, Fitzgerald says you can tell your legislator to support these courts.
