Requires a report on the administration, function and outcomes of all superior courts for veterans treatment

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Shelley Mayer says this is needed

Superior Courts for Veterans Treatment are designed to provide justice involved veterans with mental health or substance use issues an opportu- nity to participate in treatment programs as an alternative to incarcer- ation. Since the founding of the first veterans treatment court in Buffalo in 2009, New York has seen a tremendous expansion of these courts. Practitioners and policymakers have benefited from the research conducted by the New York State Bar Association and the New York Health Foundation, which have demonstrated that these courts are effective at reducing recidivism, improving mental health and increasing stability for participants.1 However, they, and others, have also highlighted the need for more consistent research and reporting on outcomes, barriers to participation and the essential and persistently stretched role of community based organizations, providers and peer mentors.2 This bill would begin to address the gap in consistent research and reporting.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.