By Spc. Chasity Johnson
Illinois National Guard
Gov. Pat Quinn recently signed the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act, which created state guidelines for the establishing judicial courts for veterans charged in the criminal court system, who may have mental health or substance abuse disorders.
“We stand with the state of Illinois on this bill,” said Army Brig. Gen. Robert Pratt of Hopedale, commander of the Illinois Army National Guard’s 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago. “We truly appreciate the passing of this bill and the state for making such a strong effort to look after servicemembers.”
House Bill 5214 allows the chief judge of each judicial circuit in Illinois to create a Veteran and Servicemember Court Program for servicemembers and veterans charged with nonviolent crimes.
Veterans who receive approval for enrollment in the program will receive mental health and substance abuse screenings, and must enroll in treatment. Upon successful completion of the program, the original charge or charges may be dismissed.
“Many of our brave servicemembers come home suffering from the effects of war, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse and other service-related disabilities,” said Quinn. “This law will help us take better care of our veterans who need treatment, not jail.”
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I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and I’m wondering whether there will be a therapeutic aspect to the Veteran’s Court? Will there be mandatory counseling attached to a veterans rehabilitation/second chance? I’d be very interested in learning more about this and interviewing for a position if one exists.
Thank you very much,
Michel Rosenthal
I am a two time Iraqi Freedom Veteran who has served both times on the frontlines as an Infantryman. I am rated 60 percent disabled by the veterans department. I have recently came up on charges due to my disablilities and I was wondering how do I get my case to a veterans court?