Nation’s First Conference On Veterans And Criminal Justice System

Nation’s First Conference On Veterans And Criminal Justice System
WASHINGTON
NEWS.GNOM.ES
Nov. 19, 2013

The first national conference on veterans and the criminal justice system, focusing on those with substance abuse and mental health problems, problems opens Monday, December 2nd, 8AM, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, DC. Four-Star Gen. Barry McCaffrey (ret), former U.S. Drug Czar and Chairman of the Veterans Treatment Court Committee of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), Melissa Fitzgerald, Senior Director of Justice for Vets, a division of NADCP, and West Huddleston, CEO of NADCP and organizer of the conference, announced the event today.

McCaffrey and Fitzgerald pointed to alarming statistics showing:

One in 6 returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffers from substance abuse

Since 2004, the number of veterans being treated for mental illness and substance abuse has increased 38%

Over 700,000 veterans are in the corrections system

81% of veterans arrested had a substance abuse problem when arrested

There were 120,000 homeless veterans at some point last year

76% of homeless veterans have a substance abuse or mental health disorder

“Too many veterans are returning home suffering from mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders and becoming involved in the criminal justice system. This is a national crisis of alarming proportions, and it demands that we come together to focus on solutions,” McCaffrey, Fitzgerald, and Huddleston asserted.

“We’ve worked to establish Veterans Treatment Courts, now numbering over 130 and continuing to grow. This critical gathering will explore how we can expand these life-saving programs to every veteran in need,” they stated.

4-Star Gen. Barry McCaffrey (Former Drug Czar), Gen. Eric Shinseki (Sec Of Veterans Affairs), Actress and Justice For Vets Senior Director Melissa Fitzgerald, Iraq-Afghanistan Returning Veterans, Judges Speak

1 in 6 Returning Vets Suffers from Substance Abuse, 1 in 5 a Mental Health Condition; “National Crisis of Alarming Proportions”

8-10 AM, Mon. December 2, Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, DC, 2660 Woodley Rd NW; Open to Media

Also Joint Chiefs Of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey To Speak At Closing Session 8 AM December 4 read more here