Go to war then go to jail

Originally posted August 8, 2008

It's no secret that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has had lingering effects on the home front as well as the battle field. The after effects of war have been known to veterans as far back as the Revolutionary War and throughout the history of armed conflict. With our current conflict we see that the lasting effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder manifest across areas as varied as the service member themselves. It is no surprise that engaged and dedicated civilians are mobilizing to help local veterans seek treatment when they most need it.

As soldiers, many of us have seen the effects personally, from loss of control on the battle field to rises in divorce rates, and disability. The stigma attached to psychological injuries and their treatment further complicates the ability of service men and women from seeking the help they need. Recently, many municipalities around the country have seen a sharp rise in crime committed by veterans reacting to the lasting effects of combat stress and related injuries. Too frequently, veterans turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with stress placed on the transition from warrior to citizen. These individuals may not seek out help form a passive VA system, and can fall afoul of the law.

In recognizing that veterans have sustained psychological injury on societies behalf, several states have opted to treat the veteran rather that throw them in jail where their untreated issues can fester and return tenfold upon release back in to the civilian world. By directing treatment in the sentencing process, the court is effectively rehabilitating the veteran, and protecting society by reducing the likelihood for repeat offenses.

In 2006 California passed a law that provides judges with a basis to depart from presumptive prison sentences in case involving veterans with PTSD. Veterans are professionally screened for PTSD and, if suitable, are ordered to treatment in lieu of prison or jail. Following this example, Minnesota passed a similar provision earlier this year.

After noticing 300 veterans come through his court last year, Buffalo, NY Judge Robert Russell has set up a separate court to address not only vets' crimes but their unique mental health issues. Surrounded by fellow veterans and peer councilors, these former service members are given a chance to account for their behavior and seek treatment; reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses and getting back on the road to readjustment and recovery.

Programs like this are critical to success if we are to combat the long term effects of multiple deployments and inadequate VA outreach. The success of the programs in California, Minnesota, and New York has lead to a national movement to treat veterans that have turned to substance abuse and criminal behavior. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has offered six $400,000 grants for communities to begin pilot programs to support local implementation and statewide expansion of trauma-integrated jail diversion programs. The IAVA along with a coalition of veterans and criminal justice groups is sponsoring a concurrent resolution in the Congress recognizing the importance of these local programs and encouraging states to implement them across the country. Our efforts along with those already in place have garnered attention from members in Congress. On July 31^st Senator John Kerry (D-MA)introduced S. 3379; authorizing additional grants to establish veteran's treatment courts across the nation.

Initiatives like these represent proactive and innovative approaches to dealing with the complex problems faced by returning service members and their families. Veterans and members of the Armed services are at the forefront of public service and are frequently troubled by their own criminal behavior and the resulting charges. By acknowledging the underline causes of this behavior we can direct veterans to treatment that they might not otherwise seek on their own and stem long term psychological effects of a generation of warriors that have fought and suffered on our behalf.