Kansas’ First Veterans Court Program in the Works

Veterans court programs have sprung up in 40 states since 2008, an alternative to jail for some veterans who get into trouble. Kansas may be next.

The Kansas City Star reports that planning has begun for a veterans court in Johnson County, and a committee ordered by the Kansas Supreme Court will propose standards and study costs.

About 250 veterans court programs exist nationwide, specifically for those whose drug habits, injuries or stress related to military service may have contributed to civilian trouble with the law.

On the Missouri side of the Kansas City area, about 80 veterans are enrolled in treatment instead of being jailed. Kansas’ delay in adopting the program puzzles some, given the state is home to three large military posts and about 220,000 veterans.