Okeechobee County launches a Veterans Treatment Court
Judge William Wallace: “Our goal is to use this court to give our veterans the tools and opportunities to succeed through education, treatment, and rehabilitation.”
Many of America’s veterans come home strengthened by their military service, becoming leaders in their local communities. Sadly, a growing number of these brave men and women carry the horrors of war on their sleeves. They can suffer from substance abuse disorders, mental-health conditions, and severe trauma.
The national non-profit, Justice for Vets, estimates that one in five veterans display symptoms of a mental-health disorder and that 50% of vets with PTSD do not receive treatment. These conditions can increase the likelihood of contact with the criminal justice system, leading to further despair, incarceration, and even homelessness.

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