What Is Ulster County’s New Veteran Treatment Court?

This week, Ulster County Government officials took another step in recognizing the unique challenges faced by many local veterans.

As noted by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, local judges and government officials understand that traumatic brain injuries, post traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions may cause some veterans to be involved with the justice system. The new court is meant to be specifically tailored to that experience.

New Veterans Treatment Court Established in Ulster County, NY

"It’s official! The NYS Office of Courts Administration has approved our County’s request to establish an Ulster County Veterans Treatment Court, launched in a moving ceremony on Friday at the Ulster County Courthouse" Executive Metzger recently shared on Facebook. A press release also shared the specific differences between Veterans Treatment Court and a standard court of law.

What Is a Veterans Treatment Court?

The new court is described as "a problem-solving court targeting justice-involved veterans" who are facing either misdemeanor or felony charges. Veterans who are referred to this court would be experiencing extenuating circumstances like mental health issues or addiction. The goal, they shared, is to avoid prison sentences when appropriate:

Veterans who are not considered a public safety risk and are willing to comply with court-imposed conditions will be considered for participation... [The VTC will offer] substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, and other customized services as an alternative to conventional prosecution and incarceration

History of New York Veterans Treatment Courts and "Problem-Solving Courts"

The new court follows a precedent originally set in 2008 when the first Veterans Treatment Court was created in Buffalo, NY. The most recent VTC in Ulster County marks the 38th court of its kind in New York State. They fall under New York's "problem-solving courts" umbrella, which seeks alternative sentencing for individuals suffering from mental health issues, victims of sex trafficking, and more.