US Veterans Fought for America's Freedom. Now It's Our Turn to Fight for Theirs TakePart
go to original November 11, 2014

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Veterans fought for our freedom, now it’s our turn to fight for theirs. We enable the creation of a nationwide network of Veterans Treatment Courts that is transforming the way veterans are handled in the criminal justice system. In doing so we will keep veterans out of jail and prison; saving their lives, their families, and their futures, while saving tax dollars for the American public.

About the Petition

Today, more than 10,000 veterans who would otherwise be incarcerated are receiving lifesaving treatment in a veterans treatment court. These incredible programs must be expanded to ensure that every veteran in need has the opportunity for treatment and restoration.

There are now 2.6 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. We know that some will struggle to reengage because of PTSD, TBI, and trauma-related issues. Many will turn to substance abuse to cope. Communities across the country are already seeing increases in the number of veterans being arrested for charges stemming from the invisible wounds of war. Unless we intercept veterans at the key moment of crisis, we may not get another chance. Veterans treatment courts stand between the veteran and a felony conviction, incarceration, or worse; they ensure that when returning service members are arrested because of a substance abuse and/or mental health disorder, they receive the structure, treatment, and mentoring they need to get their lives back on track. By keeping veterans out of jail and prison, veterans treatment courts save their lives, families, and futures while saving taxpayers a fortune.

Sign the petition to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on TakePart

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