Men and women who serve in the United States military often endure high costs of service. The impact of military service can be immense and long-lasting. These may include alcohol or substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, unemployment, and strained relationships. With the increase of veterans with serious issues in our criminal justice system came the need to develop innovative ways of working to address these concerns. In recognition of this, the Nassau County Veterans Treatment Court began in 2011 as a specialized part of the District and County Court, with a mission to help veterans by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system and providing them with the tools they need to live productive and law abiding lives through treatment, rehabilitative programing, mentoring and judicial monitoring.
A collaborative effort. The Nassau County Veterans Treatment Court is a collaborative effort of the New York State Office of Court Administration, Nassau County District Attorney's Office, Nassau County Veterans Services Agency,Legal Aid Society of Nassau County, Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services, Nassau County Department of Probation, The USA Department of Veterans Affairs Northport Medical Center, Nassau County Comptroller and the Nassau County Clerk.