{"id":5914,"date":"2026-09-21T18:25:49","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T18:25:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/?p=5914"},"modified":"2026-09-21T18:28:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T18:28:22","slug":"what-are-veterans-treatment-courts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-are-veterans-treatment-courts\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Veterans Treatment Courts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull va-page-title-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-179 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/academic-affiliations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/05\/Hero2.png?w=1024\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#085795\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left alignwide\">Featured Article<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<form role=\"search\" method=\"get\" action=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/\" class=\"wp-block-search__button-outside wp-block-search__text-button wp-block-search\" ><label class=\"wp-block-search__label\" for=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" >Search Articles<\/label><div class=\"wp-block-search__inside-wrapper\" ><input class=\"wp-block-search__input\" id=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" placeholder=\"\" value=\"\" type=\"search\" name=\"s\" required \/><button aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"wp-block-search__button wp-element-button\" type=\"submit\" >Search<\/button><\/div><\/form>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Veterans Treatment Courts?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #0073aa\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-0073-aa-background-color has-background\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Katharine Stewart, National Coordinator for Veteran Treatment Courts, VHA Homeless Programs Office<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>September 21, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-category wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/category\/featured-articles\/\" rel=\"tag\">Featured Articles<\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-post_tag wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/tag\/justice\/\" rel=\"tag\">justice<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\"> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/tag\/veterans-treatment-court\/\" rel=\"tag\">veterans treatment court<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-c00f5982\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/09\/Veterans-Treatment-Courts_Stock-Image-Resized.jpg\" alt=\"A Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist speaks with a Veteran participating in a Veterans Treatment Court.\" class=\"wp-image-5915\" style=\"width:900px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/09\/Veterans-Treatment-Courts_Stock-Image-Resized.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/09\/Veterans-Treatment-Courts_Stock-Image-Resized.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/09\/Veterans-Treatment-Courts_Stock-Image-Resized.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/09\/Veterans-Treatment-Courts_Stock-Image-Resized.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Veterans Treatment Courts bring together the justice system, VA, and Veteran mentors to help eligible Veterans address underlying challenges, support recovery, and work toward a more stable future.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) are specialized courts that integrate treatment and rehabilitation into the criminal justice process. Designed for eligible Veterans whose legal involvement may be linked to mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or other underlying challenges, VTCs focus on addressing factors that may contribute to justice-system involvement while helping participants build a path toward recovery and stability. Unlike traditional criminal courts, where the primary purpose is to determine whether a defendant is guilty of an offense, VTCs emphasize rehabilitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because VTCs are established and operated by local governments, eligibility requirements and program structures vary by jurisdiction. Depending on the community and the structure of the court, participation in a VTC may provide an alternative to traditional prosecution or incarceration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-c00f5982\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Treating challenges before they become crises<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By addressing underlying needs early, VTCs create opportunities for intervention before challenges worsen and lead to further involvement with the justice system. VTCs connect Veterans with treatment, recovery services, and other supports based on their individual circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VTCs bring together judges, attorneys, treatment providers, justice-system professionals, VA staff, Veteran mentors, and other community partners. Working as a team, they coordinate support and supervision designed to help Veterans engage in treatment while meeting requirements established by the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A defining feature of VTCs is the involvement of volunteer Veteran mentors who provide encouragement, guidance, and peer support throughout the court process. Their shared military experience can help participants stay engaged in treatment and recovery while navigating court requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout the process, Veterans may be required to attend regular court hearings, complete drug or alcohol testing, and meet other conditions established by the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Court structures vary by community and jurisdiction. Some courts operate on a pre-plea basis, allowing eligible Veterans to participate in treatment and other requirements before entering a guilty plea. Others operate after a plea or conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-1ac3d91d\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Connecting Veterans with care and support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VTCs are operated by local governments, not VA. However, VA works with these courts through <a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/veterans-justice-programs\/veterans-justice-outreach\/\">Veterans Justice Outreach<\/a> (VJO) Specialists. VJO Specialists may serve as members of VTC treatment teams, helping assess Veterans\u2019 needs and connecting eligible Veterans with appropriate VA health care and other services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While VJO Specialists help connect Veterans with care and may provide treatment-related updates when authorized by the Veteran, decisions regarding court eligibility, participation requirements, and legal outcomes remain the responsibility of the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This collaboration gives Veterans an opportunity to access care while they are still involved in the justice system. As of December 2025, VJO Specialists reported serving approximately 745 VTCs and other Veteran-focused court programs nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-1ac3d91d\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Building stability beyond the courtroom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Veterans Treatment Courts are not part of VA\u2019s homeless programs, they can address underlying challenges that may contribute to housing instability, including untreated mental health and substance use concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Addressing these needs while a Veteran is still connected to the justice system can support recovery, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration back into the community. For some Veterans, this early intervention may also reduce factors that can contribute to homelessness. When housing instability is a concern, connecting Veterans with housing and other supports can provide additional help as they work toward stability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group va-section-title va-section-title-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact VA for help<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #005EA2\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-ff-5500-background-color has-background\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, we strongly encourage you to contact the <strong>National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at <a href=\"tel:+18774243838\">877-424-3838<\/a><\/strong> for assistance.<br><br>The call is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained professionals are standing by to connect you to your nearest VA for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-blue-icon-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\">Chat with a live professional now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1385\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png\" alt=\"National Call Center for Homeless Veterans logo. 877-424-3838\" class=\"wp-image-5628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png 1385w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=300,130 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=768,333 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=1024,444 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1385px) 100vw, 1385px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":5915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"priority":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[25,104],"class_list":["post-5914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-articles","tag-justice","tag-veterans-treatment-court"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-are-veterans-treatment-courts\/","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"What are Veterans Treatment 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