The Atlantic Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court will hold its first Veterans Treatment Court graduation ceremony since it was founded in 2016. Three veterans are expected to be among this year’s graduates. The ceremony marks their completion of an intensive program of comprehensive treatment, close supervision and full accountability.

According to Justice for Vets, the Atlantic Judicial Circuit Veterans Court is one of 306 in operation in the United States. Veterans treatment courts provides justice- involved veterans with structure, accountability, treatment and mentoring needed to repair their lives. By keeping veterans out of jail and prison, veteran’s treatment courts can help save lives, families, and futures, all while reducing costs to tax-payers. 

‘’Veterans treatment courts are transforming the way veterans are identified, assessed and diverted when they come into contact with the justice system due to substance use, mental health, or trauma related to their service,” Justice for Vets Director Scott Swaim said. “These programs are on the front lines of justice reform in our country.”

The local court has 24 active participants in its program. The Atlantic Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court serves Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Tattnall, Bryan and Evans counties.