Dust Off: Veterans Court gives many a second chance

PORT ST. LUCIE — Back in 2014, I wrote the article "Justice for Veterans,” which outlined a unique approach to the legal system for veterans.

St. Lucie County’s Veterans Court is an extension of this approach. Veterans Court represents a nontraditional approach to criminal offenders who have served both during peace and wartime.

Since its inception, Circuit Judge Robert E. Belanger has helped to reduce criminal recidivism and lower incarceration costs by keeping veterans who have committed nonviolent crimes out of jail. Rather than focusing only on the crimes they commit and the punishments they receive, Veterans Court also attempts to solve some of the participants' underlying health, substance abuse and psychosocial problems.

The Veterans Court is eligible to anyone who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces, has been charged with a crime appropriate to the court, and resides in the 19th Judicial Circuit. Admission to Veterans Court is not automatic. Veterans must seek entry into the program.

Veterans Court is also dependent on a nonadversarial courtroom atmosphere where a single judge, dedicated court staff, the treatment team, and the mentors work together toward the common goals of breaking the cycle of substance abuse and criminal behavior, and addressing mental and physical health issues. An environment with clear and certain rules is created, and each participant's compliance is within his or her own control.

Many former service members have a hard time re-entering the civilian population. Multiple deployments, post-traumatic stress disorder, disability and substance abuse, compounded by the lack of jobs, family, housing, and other social obstacles have taken their toll on veterans.

Combat veterans who have had “run-ins” with the law or are struggling with addiction don’t need to end up in jail; they need counseling and assistance.

The key to success in the Veterans Court program is the mentor. Each veteran in the program is assigned a mentor, another veteran, who is most of the time from the same branch of service or wartime era. That way the veteran is not alone. His or her mentor is there for them every step of the way. A strong bond is forged between the mentor and the veteran. Working together, nearly all veterans are able to successfully complete the mandated program and go back to their lives.

In recognizing that these are the men and women whom have placed their lives "in harm's way" to defend the USA, we owe them a second chance. Veterans Court, in most cases, is that second chance.

Consequently, veterans are desperately needed to serve as volunteer mentors to assist veterans through the legal process, including appearing with them at their court dates or providing transportation to mandated drug screenings and/or counseling sessions.

Veterans who are interested in becoming a mentor or wishing to volunteer with the Veterans Court are asked to contact Luis Diaz, mentor program supervisor, at 772-462-6772 or diazl@stlucieco.org.

Dana Matthews is a retired lieutenant colonel, Army Ranger and veterans advocate.