In a press release Monday, the county announced that it would be forming a veteran treatment court, or VTC, to provide support and treatment to veterans within the justice system.

According to the release, “a VTC is a specialized court designed to address the unique needs of veterans who have received an honorable or general discharge and are involved in the criminal justice system due to substance abuse, mental health issues or co-occurring disorders. These evidence-based courts focus on treatment and support, rather than punishment, with the goal of helping veterans achieve sobriety, recovery and long-term stability. A VTC can also aid veterans in overcoming housing and employment issues.”

The press release further notes that VTCs can have a big impact.

“Studies indicate that only 14% of veterans in veteran treatment courts re-offend, while the recidivism rates for veterans in traditional courts range from 23% to 46%, according to Jim Retallick, the director of the Weber Public Defender Group, who has been working to establish the 2nd District VTC since the fall of 2023,” the release said.

Weber County Public Relations Manager Jessika Clark told the Standard-Examiner on Tuesday that VTCs have been established in Salt Lake County (3rd District), Utah County (4th District), the Salt Lake City Justice Court and the U.S. District Court for Utah.

“This provides evidence-based treatment and supports veterans who have been in the justice system who suffer from substance abuse or mental health disorders,” she said.

The press release notes that training of relevant staff will be conducted next week.

“Justice for Vets — a branch of All Rise — is providing three days of foundational training to a team consisting of a judge, a prosecutor, a defense attorney, substance use treatment providers, treatment coordinators from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, program representatives from Adult Probation and Parole, deputies from the Weber County Sheriff’s Office as well as court personnel and administrations,” the release said. “All Rise is a national training, membership and advocacy organization for improving the justice system’s responses to substance use and mental health disorders.”

Training will be conducted June 9-11. Establishment of the 2nd District VTC will then go before the Utah Judicial Council for final approval. If approved, the VTC will also cover veterans in Davis and Morgan counties.