Associated Press - October 30, 2009 12:24 PM ET
IONIA, Mich. (AP) - Ionia County has started a special court program intended to help treat and rehabilitate veterans.
The Veterans' Court for Treatment and Recovery of Ionia is modeled on sobriety and mental-health courts, which substitute intensive supervision and treatment for jail time.
64th District Court Judge Ray Voet tells the Sentinel-Standard the court is intended to help veterans and service members who end up in court as a result of traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder. Voet says veterans often have special needs not met by the normal court system.
The veterans' court was born this week with its first referral. It will bring together police, lawyers and other veterans who will act as mentors.
Information from: The Sentinel-Standard, http://www.sentinel-standard.com
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