South Central PA News

Pennsylvania military veterans in nearly two out of every three Pennsylvania counties lack access to a key resource in our criminal justice system. I want to change that.

"Our military veterans served our country and our commonwealth in their times of need. These brave men and women took time away from their families and loved ones, sometimes traveled halfway across the globe and made tremendous sacrifices to defend our nation," said Sen. Doug Mastriano, representing the 33rd Senatorial District.

Many veterans returned home with physical injuries or scars, while others carried emotional or psychological wounds that may take years or even decades to heal. "Many veterans saw and experienced traumatic events. Their service to our nation can leave them more vulnerable to addiction and mental illness. They bear these burdens because they defended us," Mastriano added.

However, many veterans may not realize they have a trauma-induced problem until it is too late. Mastriano highlighted two scenarios where veterans' issues may first surface through an interaction with law enforcement. "The formerly quiet and patient veteran flies off the handle and loses his temper at his wife, leading her to call law enforcement when she’s not sure where else to turn. The previously solid and stoic veteran begins casually referencing suicide, leading her family to call law enforcement when they fear for her safety," he explained.

To address this problem, Mastriano worked in the past to enact a law enabling Pennsylvania counties to establish Veterans Courts. These problem-solving courts are intended to help veterans rather than punishing them for the addiction or mental illness that resulted from their service. In these courts, veterans receive mentorship from fellow veterans, are supervised by specialized probation officers, and receive treatment and support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

"We’ve seen progress in a relatively short time period. Since my bill enabling counties to establish Veterans Courts was enacted in 2020, 25 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have established one. Veterans in those counties have access to this life-saving resource," Mastriano shared.

However, there is still work to be done. "Veterans in 42 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties – or nearly two out of every three counties – currently lack access to this transformational resource. Pennsylvania can and must do better for our veterans," Mastriano emphasized.

Mastriano believes that a veteran's ability to access addiction and mental illness resources should not depend on the county in which they live. "Veterans who end up in our criminal justice system should have access to these resources regardless of which Pennsylvania county they call home," he stated.

Veterans Courts have proven to be successful. In 2022, 167 veterans graduated from the program, representing an 81% successful graduation rate. They are a "win-win-win" for the veteran, the justice system, and the taxpayers.

In conclusion, Mastriano urged the support of veterans during and after their time of service. "Veterans Courts are one more way we can back the men and women who defended our nation, its values, and everything we hold dear," he said.

To find out more, go to this link: https://senatormastriano.com/2023/12/15/more-veterans-courts-needed-in-pa/