Abstract
With a per capita veteran population surpassing the national average, Missouri presents its veterans with unique challenges in their day-to-day lives. For example, nearly one-third of Missouri veterans are disabled, compared to one-sixth of civilians. The State established the Missouri Veterans Commission, which supports veterans and their families with the veteran-specific obstacles they face. To that end, Missouri offers the second highest number of veteran benefits of any state in the country.
Like all groups of people, some veterans will unfortunately enter the criminal justice system due to varying factors. Veterans Treatment Courts ("VTCs") originated to address veteran-specific reasons for criminality and to provide a veteran-specific solution without incarceration. VTCs provide a holistic approach to treating the person while also addressing the unique experiences and challenges that veterans face. This article discusses the history and development of Missouri VTCs, reviews their innerworkings and administration, and examines what is it like to be a participant. The article then propose and advocates for the expansion of VTCs to increase their accessibility.
Recommended Citation
Evan Rodriguez,
Engaging the Base: Using Veterans Treatment Courts in Missouri to Address Core Issues,
92
UMKC L. Rev.
635
(2024).
Available at:
https://irlaw.umkc.edu/lawreview/vol92/iss3/8
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