The veteran’s court model is based on drug treatment and/or mental health treatment courts. Substance abuse or mental health treatment is offered as an alternative to incarceration.  Typically, veteran mentors assist with the programs. An important issue that has to be addressed is the eligibility for veteran’s courts in terms of whether charges involving felonies or crimes of violence will be allowed. The inclusion of offenders charged with inter-family violence is also of grave concern to policy makers.

In 2014 the Georgia Legislature passed legislation, signed by Governor Deal, to enable the counties to establish such courts as the need dictates. There are now 21 courts operating in the State, including Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fayette  and Coweta Counties in the greater Atlanta area.

Veterans Treatment Courts are successful in part because they link troubled veterans with volunteer veteran mentors. If you are willing to volunteer your time to help another veteran, contact Bill Howerton by email for more information.