SANTA CRUZ (BCN) — A program aimed at helping veterans facing criminal charges launched on Friday in Santa Cruz County, according to the county District Attorney’s Office.
The Veteran’s Treatment Program links military veterans with mentors as a collaboration between the county’s Superior Court, Public Defender’s Office, Veteran’s Affairs Office, Probation Department and local volunteers.
“This program is a great way to identify military veterans who are on the wrong track, and help them change their lives to get back where they should be,” Assistant District Attorney Charles Baum said in a statement.
“The men and women who have served our country in uniform may face unique challenges because of their military service, and this program will help connect them with the support they need but often cannot find in the civilian community,” Baum said.
Baum is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Iraq, according to district attorney’s officials.
The program will help veterans facing criminal charges no matter how long they served, whether or not they served in combat or how they were discharged, district attorney’s officials said.
Program participants can have their charges dismissed in minor cases or reduced in serious cases once they complete programs to cope with substance abuse, anger management or post-traumatic stress disorder, according to district attorney’s officials.
They must also undergo therapy and take part in community service, district attorney’s officials said.
Mentors will help veterans by providing rides to the programs and court appearances and assistance in obtaining housing and medical benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Stoney Brook, a retired inspector with the district attorney’s office and a Vietnam veteran, recruited and trained the volunteers.
“While the primary goal of our office is always public safety at the same time, we are looking for intelligent alternatives to custody that still protect the public and help our veterans heal,” District Attorney Jeffrey Rosell said in a statement.
“Three veterans have already begun their participation here in Santa Cruz, and those numbers are expected to grow as the program formally gets under way,” Rosell said.