As others see it: Veterans’ court a valuable service

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A special veterans’ court that started in Hennepin County this week deserves to be expanded throughout the state and nation.

The court, modeled after drug and mental health courts, aims to intervene with veterans who get in trouble with the law and find them the treatment they need before their lives spiral further out of control.

The need for more intervention has become painfully clear as rates of post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, marital difficulties and mental health issues have risen among younger vets. In 2007, the suicide rate for veterans ages 18 to 29 was 37.1 per 100,000. That’s more than 80 percent higher than the rate for the civilian population and the active-duty military.

The idea for a vets’ court began in Buffalo, N.Y., in 2008. That court’s experience shows the concept works well, so long as it has the support of the Veterans Administration, Veterans medical centers and volunteers.

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But the courts aren’t a free pass for vets who run up against the law. Defendants must follow strict requirements, are frequently monitored and can end up in jail if they violate the rules.

By giving defendants the opportunity to be guided by someone with whom they can relate, the Buffalo court has seen dozens of veterans successfully graduate, steering their lives away from substance abuse and crime and making their transition back into civilian life successful.

The modest cost of veterans courts — largely staffed with volunteers — far outweighs the financial and emotional costs of simply sending vets through the traditional judicial system.

The Free Press of Mankato

Tags: opinion, editorial