Last week the Second Judicial District’s Veterans Treatment Court was spotlighted in both the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press. Ramsey County’s newest problem-solving court was started in December of 2013 to respond to the unique challenges faced by returning veterans. Fitting back into society can be difficult, and veterans can easily find themselves pulled into the criminal justice system. (Specifically, the instincts which serve and protect a soldier in wartime are not the ones that foster skills needed in peacetime.)
The Court is part of the Ramsey County Veterans Justice Initiative, whose purpose is to “assist and support veterans by creating a coordinated response through collaboration with the VA, community-based services, and the criminal justice system.” This evolving project is meant to identify and address lapses within the criminal justice system and related systems veterans may come into contact with once they have returned from service. It is a joint effort among city, county, state, federal and community resources.
Also committed to the well-being and successful re-integration of Minnesota veterans is the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV). Their Vetlaw program helps veterans address civil legal issues related to housing, employment, child support, back taxes, or defaulted student loans. In addition to legal assistance, MACV’s outreach extends to assistance in procuring employment and preventing homelessness. Their Stand Down events and legal clinics are held in different Minnesota locations throughout the year. Other services for the special legal needs of returning veterans returning home can be found through LawHelpMN on their resources for veterans page. In addition, their legal needs check-up interface drafts customized marching orders for getting to the right legal resources for a veteran’s own unique situation. If you are in the Law Library, you can also grab the free Veterans and Service Members brochure, published by the Minnesota Attorney General’s office.
