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Veterans Treatment Court
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices."
President Harry S. Truman
Our Purpose
The Luzerne County Veterans Treatment Court is the newest specialty court created to help those individuals who put their lives on the line for our freedom and safety. Through their combat experience, many veterans come home with issues such as PTSD or a traumatic brain injury.
“One in five veterans has symptoms of a mental health disorder or cognitive impairment. One in six veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom suffer from a substance use issue. Research continues to draw a link between substance use and combat-related mental illness.” (Justice for Vets)
Many of the veterans who come home do not get the proper treatment for their mental health disorders. That is why they turn to substance use which ultimately leads them into their involvement in the criminal justice system.
By diverting our veterans to this judicially supervised treatment program, we are able to provide them with the tools, education and resources needed to get them on the right track and help them remain arrest free. This program links them with programs, benefits and services they have earned; allows them to work closely with a veteran mentor who understands what they have been through; and provides them the ability to get their lives in order.
View a video explanation of a Veterans Treatment Court and why it is desperately needed.
Veterans Affairs Agencies
If you are a veteran who needs help, please contact one of the following agencies:
- Luzerne County Veterans Affairs
James Spagnola, Director
77 Water Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: 570-706-3960 - Wilkes-Barre Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs