NorCo Adds Veterans to Its Problem-Solving Courts

Northampton County has embraced the concept of problem-solving courts in an effort to get at the root of what causes some people to commit crimes. There's a drug court for post-conviction offenders that help participants get a handle on addiction. There's also a mental health court for both pre- and post-conviction offenders that assist people who offend because of mental illness. Now there's a new problem-solving court for veterans. Below is an explanation:

From Administrative Office of Pa Courts:

The Northampton County Court of Common Pleas is pleased to announce that it will hold its first meeting of its new Veterans Treatment Court on Thurs., Feb. 15, 2024.

The Court will meet bi-weekly to provide supervision and support to its veteran participants with partners from the Northampton County Offices of Adult Probation, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, VA Veterans Justice Outreach Program, and local non-profit, BattleBorne, as well as veteran mentor volunteers from the community.

Applications are available at the District Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office, and they will soon be available online at the County’s Criminal Court forms page.

Hon. Jennifer R. Sletvold, Administrative Judge of Problem-Solving Courts, first announced the establishment of a Veterans Treatment Court in August 2023.

Northampton County joins 25 other Pennsylvania counties with Veterans Treatment Court programs that assist justice-involved veterans suffering from mental health issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder and other co-occurring disorders as a result of their service to this country.

The purpose of these programs is to reduce recidivism and help veterans return to their jobs and families and become productive citizens. Participants are intensely supervised throughout the course of the program, while receiving guidance and support from veteran mentors, as well as any necessary treatment from the VA or local treatment providers.