Special courts helps veterans stay out of jail - but staffing losses at VA and cuts to government programs are threatening their work

Many veterans struggle with addiction, mental health conditions and homelessness after military service. Veterans Treatment Courts aim to help – but they need stable funding to do so.

By: Jamie Rowen, UMass Amherst, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 24, 2026

Words: 1,170

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Jamie Rowen, UMass Amherst

Memorial Day is an apt time to reflect on the long-term consequences of war. Among them are substance use, mental health problems, homelessness and jail time for those who served in the military.

About 8% of all Americans in prisons or jails are veterans, according to the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank. Veterans end up incarcerated largely because of substance use and mental health …

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