United Way of Central Maryland

Veterans Treatment Court

Service Area: Anne Arundel and Baltimore City Counties, Maryland

Goal: Improve stability for 20 justice-involved veteran households experiencing substance abuse and/or mental health disorder(s) through a combination of case management and emergency financial assistance

Many veterans face significant challenges when they return home, particularly substance abuse and mental health issues, which if left untreated, may lead to criminal or other destructive behaviors. Many of these issues can be traced to the trauma of combat and other service-related stressors. Veteran Treatment Courts (VTCs) are effective diversionary sentencing programs that focus on rehabilitation, rather than incarceration, and address veterans’ underlying needs. VTCs “divert” the veteran to mental healthcare, substance use treatment, and other services they may need to get them back on their feet as an alternative to incarceration. VTCS provide veterans the opportunity to address underlying mental health and substance abuse issues and avoid a criminal record that could limit future housing and employment options. The Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County VTCs are implemented through partnerships between the Maryland Judiciary, the Baltimore City and Anne Arundel Counties District Court, and the United Way of Central Maryland. Together, these partners provide a coordinated approach to working with justice-involved veterans, whether they are eligible for VA benefits or not. Veterans work with mentors who are also veterans, and who provide support and guidance for health, employment, legal, financial, counseling, and other services. With this investment, United Way of Central Maryland will the improve stability of 20 justice-involved veterans experiencing substance abuse and/or mental health disorder(s) through a combination of case management and emergency financial assistance.