COURT HOUSE – In 2010, the State of New Jersey enacted a bill establishing a task force to study the treatment of Veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in judicial proceedings. The NJ Veterans PTSD Task Force is charged with identifying and reviewing the issues and concerns of U.S. Veterans and National Guard Members who have been diagnosed with PTSD and how the disorder has impacted them in judicial proceedings.
The Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed a resolution at the March 8 meeting endorsing the establishment of Veterans Treatment Courts in New Jersey and calling on the task force to find in favor of instituting the much needed program.
Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton, who oversees the County Veterans Bureau, reported that one in five veterans has symptoms of a mental health disorder or cognitive impairment. “Veterans Treatment Courts are designed to consider the psychological trauma many veterans experience, and find ways to help them. These factors are rarely considered in the present court system and we owe it to those who served their country to provide help rather than incarceration”, Thornton said.
Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, a retired Captain of Detectives with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, stressed the importance of providing treatment for Veterans with PTSD. “Mental disorders are common among Veterans and if left untreated can lead to criminal activity and involvement in the criminal justice system”, Hayes said.
New Jersey is home to 712,000 Veterans, and is one of only 15 states that do not provide a Veterans Treatment Court system. Veterans Treatment Courts act as a “one-stop shop,” linking veterans with the programs, benefits and services they have earned.
The Veterans Treatment Courts start with providing Veterans involved with the criminal justice system with a program and services to overcome the challenges they face and maximizes utilization of the department of Veterans Affairs resources to ensure they receive the treatment and care they need.
“Veterans Treatment Courts follow the Drug Court model, eligible participants receive treatment and other needed services to get them back on track and lead constructive lives. They are not given a pass, they are held accountable by a judge to meet legal obligations such as mandated court appearances, supervision, treatment and fines”, Hayes added.
“We need to consider as the number of Veterans facing combat rises, their needs will also increase. Nearly 12,000 Veterans in New Jersey are involved in the criminal justice system and more than 70% committed non-violent crimes. The need to establish Veterans Treatment Courts will serve to make our Veterans and their families whole again. The time to establish this system is now”, Thornton stated.
Wildwood – So Liberals here on spout off, here's a REAL question for you.
Do you think it's appropriate for BLM to call for "Burning down the city" and "Black Vigilantes" because…
