Weber County establishes first veteran treatment court in northern Utah
WEBER COUNTY, Utah () — Weber County announced that it is establishing the 2nd District Veteran Court, the first veteran treatment court in northern Utah, which will serve veterans in Davis, Morgan and Weber Counties.
A veteran treatment court (VTC) is a specialized court that is meant to help veterans with mental health and substance abuse issues who become involved in the criminal justice system.
These are courts designed to help veterans who received honorable or general discharges through evidence-based approaches that 'focus on treatment and support, rather than punishment,' with the goal of helping veterans stay sober, recover, and achieve long-term stability, according to a press release from Weber County. They can also help veterans with housing and employment issues.
Jim Retallick, Director of the Weber Public Defender Group, has been working to establish the Second District VTC since the fall of 2023.
In an interview with ABC4.com, Retallick said that veterans are more likely to be involved in the justice system. He added that about a third of veterans have been arrested compared to only a fifth of the general population.
'Veterans also face some specific and different issues and problems, but using the commonality, probably the base rock of being a veteran, they're able to respond better to treatment,' Retallick said.
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Veteran treatment courts have been proven to reduce re-offending rates among veterans. Retallick cited studies that show only 14% of veterans in veteran treatment courts re-offend, whereas recidivism rates for veterans in traditional courts range from 23% to 46%.
According to Retallick, the court provides treatment that the veterans earned through their military service, and Veteran's Affairs works with the VTC to provide treatment.
Retallick said that the greatest part of the VTC is the mentor program.
'We have a mentor coordinator who is a veteran, and he coordinates other volunteer veterans who will mentor every participant in the program,' Retallick said. 'So hopefully everybody is matched up with a veteran who understands their needs and will help them proceed through the process.'
'You can't force anybody to succeed, but you can point them and get them on the path and provide them the support to help them succeed,' Retallick said.
The VTC in Weber County will join other VTCs in Salt Lake County and Utah County in providing support to Utah's veterans.
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Weber County establishes first veteran treatment court in northern Utah
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