Veterans Court

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

Approximately 18% of all California’s veterans live in Los Angeles County. As a result, a growing number of veterans are facing charges stemming from substance abuse and mental illness. Research has shown that traditional services do not always meet the needs of veterans adequately and that they respond more favorably to a treatment court model with those who have common past experiences and needs. The Los Angeles County Veterans Court was established in September 2010 as a collaborative program to respond to the needs of veterans with addiction, mental illness, co-occurring or other military related disorders. The 18-month program is a specialized drug court that combines intensive judicial supervision with federal and local treatment services. Utilizing a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary team approach, the Veterans Court aims to reduce recidivism and reintegrate veteran offenders back into their communities by providing access to intensive treatment services and case management while minimizing incarceration. During a 12-month project review, approximately 25,550 State and County custody bed days were avoided and 10,000 days of treatment and ancillary services were provided. Of the 100 veteran participants to date, 14 have graduated from the program and only one graduate has been re-arrested.