Today we honor those who served our country. There are approximately 18.2 million veterans in the United States, many who are dealing with “invisible wounds” like PTSD and depression.
My clients come from all walks of life and many are veterans. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics military veterans currently account for 8 percent of the national prison and jail population. Now at sentencing hearings, judges ask defendants if they are veterans, because there are additional resources for veterans about which the Court is obligated to share information. For example, there is the Colorado’s Mindsource-Brain Injury Network that works in local jails throughout the state to identify people with a history of traumatic brain injury and help them to learn how to navigate life with their cognitive deficits. Another option in some jurisdictions are the Veterans Trauma Courts. There are now 6 in Colorado that emphasize treatment and rehabilitation. Veterans are a special population with unique experiences and traumas and it is a great thing that there are unique resources for them!
It is a step in the right direction for veterans and our criminal justice system!
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