Local counties team up to bring veterans treatment court to the Eastern Shore

Treatment instead of incarceration. That's the goal behind the Dorchester County Regional Veterans' Treatment Court. It's a specialty court that's dedicated to helping our veterans here on the shore.

"It's putting them back on the right track, giving them a new direction to go, letting them know that there is help available to them and all isn't lost basically," explains Danette Johnson, a veterans' justice specialist.

When a veteran is charged for a crime instead of facing jail time, the hope is to get them the treatment  they need for the issues that are most likely the underlying reason behind their run in with the law.

Dorchester County District Judge Melvin Jews says, "We're going to be providing wrap around services. Everything from mental health treatment to medical health treatment to substance abuse treatment, employment services, family services."

According to the Justice for Vets program, one in five veterans has symptoms of a mental health disorder. Whether it's PTSD, addiction or substance abuse issues, they're issues that can lead to a run in with the law unless veterans get the services and treatment they need to get better.

It's what this court is hoping to accomplish.

Judge Jews adding, "We shouldn't have these men and women that have served this country needing these types of basic services. Decent housing, medical care, mental health treatment, all of these things just basics after they've served this country and their families' have made sacrifices. That's the least we can do."

It's a program that has already seen success in other counties across Maryland. In less than three years, Baltimore City's veteran treatment court has already helped over 50 veterans.

"The research shows that the recidivism rate decreases and we have only had two of our graduates re-arrested since their graduation. One of those cases was dismissed, one is still pending charges. Those are amazing statistics in the criminal justice system," explains Baltimore City District Court Judge Halee Weintstein.

Weinstein says she's seen this work first hand. She tells 47 ABC, she's seen veterans that have been addicted to heroin since they served in Vietnam get clean.

This treatment court will support Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.