The state of Vermont is starting a special court for veterans who can trace their legal problems to their war service.
The Jail Diversion, Trauma Recovery program will be run with the help of a $2.1 million federal grant.
Proponents say the court will offer a more compassionate, and ultimately more effective, method of dealing with veterans suffering from service-connected mental health conditions.
National statistics show that about half of male combat veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder have been arrested at least once.
Clayton Clark of the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs says it’s a great way to ensure troubled vets get the best care possible.
Note: Information for this report came from the Barre Times Argus.