Purpose

The Legislature of Louisiana recognizes that there is a critical need for criminal justice system programs to assist veterans in order to reduce the incidence of alcohol and drug use, alcohol and drug addiction, and crimes committed by veterans as a result of alcohol and drug use and alcohol and drug addiction. There is also a need for programs to assist veterans with mental health issues, including mental health diagnoses and undiagnosed mental illnesses. Moreover, many veterans suffer from co-occurring disorders of substance abuse and mental illness. These problems can cause veterans to have involvement with the criminal justice system. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature of Louisiana to create specialized court programs in the various districts of this state called "Veterans Court programs" to assist veterans in overcoming these issues, as they impact veterans, the criminal justice system, and society at large. The goal of these programs will be to reduce recidivism among veterans and to provide those who have served this country with the assistance that they need and deserve.