For some military veterans, their service comes with a host of challenges: post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other forms of trauma. And it can be tough to enter a legal system that doesn’t have those challenges in mind. In Deschutes County, a diversion program helps veterans access treatment and is an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system.
Still, some are pushing for a judge-staffed specialty court that would address the needs of veterans. We hear from the Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel, who helped to create the county’s current program. Daniel Lee Richer, the mayor of La Pine, also joins us. He served in the Marine Corps and advocates for other veterans.
Contact “Think Out Loud®”
If you’d like to comment on any of the topics in this show, or suggest a topic of your own, please get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter, send an email to thinkoutloud@opb.org, or you can leave a voicemail for us at 503-293-1983. The call-in phone number during the noon hour is 888-665-5865.
Visits: 131
