Title: Justice for Vets: The National Clearinghouse for Veterans Treatment Courts

Source/Sponsoring Agency: National Association of Drug Court Professionals

URL: http://www.justiceforvets.org/

Date Checked: 11/16/2011      Status: Active

Date Annotated: 11/16/2011

Topics: Criminal Law

Other keywords: Veterans Treatment Courts

Contents: Justice for Vets is a project of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). The Association is a non-profit founded in 1994 by various legal and clinical professionals who were “pioneers from the first twelve Drug Courts in the nation.” NADCP formed to continue the creation of specialized courts that combine “judicial monitoring” with “effective treatment.” The Drug Court movement led to the broader “problem-solving court” movement that includes mental health, DWI, and other specialized courts. Now, NADCP is building on momentum to create Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC). These courts combine elements of both drug courts and mental health courts to provide customized ways of dealing with the particular problems faced by veterans. The website provides users with background and current developments in this new phase of the problem-solving court movement. The "Resources" section offers useful materials for those planning Veterans Treatment Courts. Here, users will find an extensive document on the key components of VTC from the first such court in the nation in Buffalo, New York. Also available are current awareness materials and a webinar on post-traumatic stress disorder. The other important component of the site is the "Legislation" section. Here, users can track what is happening with the creation and funding of VTC at both the federal and state levels. NADCP worked with members of Congress to introduce the SERV Act, which would have established new treatment courts. Also, legislation from several states is available on the site, including California, Illinois, Texas, and Virginia.

Author of Annotation: M. Morrison