Last week, universal access to Veterans Treatment Courts across New York State was signed into law. We're proud to have been part of this tremendous push by the New York State Health Foundation, and we thank NYS Senator Brad Hoylman for championing this legislation. 

First implemented in Buffalo, NY, in 2008, by Judge Robert Russell, Veterans Treatment Courts seek to connect veterans in the criminal justice system as a result of untreated mental health conditions with treatment, benefits, and support to get them back on the right track. Under this new law, qualifying veterans in every county in the state will be able to have their cases diverted from traditional criminal prosecution into the more specialized treatment path of a Veterans Treatment Court. 

Since 2016, Veterans Treatment Courts have been fully operational in all five boroughs of New York City, with Manhattan and Staten Island being the final additions. Veterans Treatment Courts are effective diversionary programs that have been shown to decrease recidivism, improve outcomes, save costs, and give a second chance to those who have served our nation. The NYC Veterans Alliance has strongly advocated for expansion of Veterans Treatment Courts in all five boroughs and across New York State.