The District Court in Frederick and Washington counties has announced the launch of a regional veterans treatment court, which will serve both counties. This initiative aims to provide treatment, accountability, and mentoring to former military service members while connecting them with benefits they have earned.
This court is Maryland's second multi-county problem-solving court. It offers a supervised intensive treatment program for veterans who have committed crimes and may suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, other mental health issues, or substance use disorders. The program's objective is to help veterans resolve outstanding criminal offenses, obtain necessary treatment and services, and stabilize their lives. It also seeks to reduce recidivism by connecting eligible participants to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and local resources.
Chief Judge John P. Morrissey of the District Court of Maryland expressed his support for the initiative: “I commend Judge Schaffer and his team for their efforts to bring the Frederick and Washington County Regional Veterans Treatment Court to fruition to increase access to justice for military veterans.” He also thanked the justice partners involved in this effort.
The new veterans treatment court is expected to be operational by early summer 2024. The establishment of new problem-solving courts in Maryland requires approval from the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland followed by an administrative order. Upcoming steps include finalizing a request for proposals from qualified non-profits that can provide case management and support services. Veterans will be recruited as peer mentors once these services are established.
District Administrative Judge Eric W. Schaffer noted: “The Judiciary did extensive research...both counties have a higher-than-average percentage of veterans living in the area.” As a veteran himself, he emphasized the importance of this issue: “We hope to start with 25 participants within first 12 months of operation.”
Project partners include Maryland Judiciary’s Office of Problem-Solving Courts, State’s Attorney’s Offices in Frederick County and Washington County, District Office of the Public Defender, and Department of Parole and Probation.