The 36th District Court-Drug Treatment Court, in collaboration with the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, will add a Veteran Treatment Track to address the issues plagued by veterans who suffering from substance abuse, mental health issues or traumatic brain injury.
According to media reports, about 700,000 U.S. military veterans in 2009 were either incarcerated, on parole or on probation.
Many of them said that they were suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time they committed their crimes.
“A Veterans Treatment Track, operating within the criminal justice context, removes major obstacles posed by potential criminal convictions and their consequences that can otherwise confound the individual’s efforts to reclaim normalcy and return to their families,” states the resolution authorizing the creation of the task force.
“The Veteran Treatment Track,,” the resolution went on to say, “by facilitating recovery and wellness, will provide the community with greater assurance that public safety and order will be better served and recidivism is not likely to occur.”
Judge Leonia J. Lloyd will preside over the program.
Officials said the initiative is similar to “Project Fresh Start” track, a component of the Drug Treatment program.
That program, according to a spokesman, addresses the needs of women involved in the sex trade that have substance abuse problems by providing the necessary services to assist them in their transformation.
In collaboration with the Department of Veteran Affairs those veterans ordered to the 36th District Court Drug Treatment “Veterans Track” will complete an intensive 12- to 24-month program.
Those taking part in the program will undergo comprehensive drug treatment, close supervision and full accountability, officials said.
The 36th District Court adjudicates cases of non-violent offenders charged with drug-related offenses.
The drug court offloads defendants from the clogged courtrooms of the traditional criminal justice system, according to officials, and places them in a new type of courtroom environment.
Once involved in the Veteran Treatment Track, participants will undergo treatment, counseling and submit to frequent and random drug testing.
Offenders report for weekly or monthly status hearings with Lloyd.
In those meetings with the judge, the discussions will focus on each person’s progress or lack of progress in various court-ordered programs and they will be monitored closely for program compliance.
Graduated sanctions, including jail time, are imposed for non-compliance.
Participants who successfully comply with all conditions and satisfy all drug treatment court requirements may have their cases dismissed or closed.
There are now more than 2,400 drug courts nationwide and more than 40 veterans courts.
Drug courone1 million people have graduated from such programs, according to officials.
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