CARMEL – The Putnam County Veterans Treatment Court, a court targeting justice-involved veterans charged with felonies who may be suffering from addiction, mental health issues and other combat-related disorders, has opened.
The new court, in the Putnam Supreme and County Courthouse, is a partnership of the Ninth Judicial District, the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office, the local defense bar, the US Department of Veterans Administration and local service providers, among others.
Veterans Treatment Courts divert appropriate cases of justice-involved veterans, offering substance treatment, mental health treatment and other customized services as an alternative to conventional prosecution and incarceration.
An important component in ensuring participants’ success is the use of peer mentors, military veterans who volunteer their time to offer support and motivation to help justice-involved veterans re-adjust to civilian life.
Veterans who are not considered a public safety threat and are willing to comply with the court-imposed conditions will be considered for participation in the new court.
Participants may have their charges reduced or dismissed upon successful completion of treatment and other court requirements.
Judge Joseph Spofford will preside over the new court. He also presides over the county’s Drug Treatment Court.
“To those veterans who are suffering from substance abuse issues, PTSD and other related ailments, our court will provide the services and resources that have earned and entitled to,” he said.
