The Department of Justice (2002) advises that over 9 % of people incarcerated are Veterans, and that over 90,000 are released from jail annually. In addition, the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Special Report: Veterans in Prison and Jail (2000) estimates that 25 % of Veterans incarcerated in local jails suffer from mental illness. The Rio Grande Valley is home to over 46,000 Veterans*. Hidalgo County is home to over 27,000 Veterans*. Furthermore, over 5,000 Veterans are expected to return home to Hidalgo County between July and August 2010. Moreover, Veterans in the Rio Grande Valley report to have a higher disability rate than non veterans.
Resources in Hidalgo County are very limited to Veterans. In addition, because there a number of returning Veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest into criminal behavior, such as domestic violence, assaultive behavior and substance abuse, there is a need to address their needs. Furthermore, a Veteran’s Court in Hidalgo County would assist Veterans in participating in this pretrial program that would assist them in receiving treatment with their combat-related mental health issues, as well as not hindering them with a criminal conviction that would adversely affect their ability to get a job, housing and provide for their families.
The Hidalgo County Veteran’s Court aims to serve adult offenders each year of operation. Moreover, the Court would bring to the Hidalgo County community a greater awareness of the advantages of non adversarial, supportive treatment interventions in order to deal with the significant issues that Veteran’s have to cope with in everyday life.

*2006 American Community Survey