The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Program is a prevention-focused component of VA’s Homeless Programs Office (HPO). The HPO’s mission is to end homelessness among Veterans. Unfortunately, disabled Veterans have a difficult time reintegrating to civilian society. Veterans often find themselves homeless and become involved in the criminal justice system. The VJO has been working with Veterans since 2009 to assist them in obtaining housing and guiding them through the criminal justice process.

The VJO has established a Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). The VTC model is based on the drug and mental health courts that have existed for nearly 30 years. However, unlike traditional criminal courts, the primary purpose of the VTC is not to determine whether a defendant is guilty of an offense, but rather to ensure that he or she receives treatment to address unmet clinical needs.

Click Here To Read The Full Article