Veterans courts get $40,000

Friday, April 5, 2013, Vol. 37, No. 14

NASHVILLE (AP) - Two veterans courts are going to receive $40,000 in grant money from an agency of the Tennessee Supreme Court. The money is part of an overall effort to use the court system to help veterans and active service members facing charges as a result of drug addiction or mental health issues.

Tennessee currently has two freestanding veterans court - one in Shelby County and the other in Montgomery County. They are essentially a hybrid between a drug court and a mental health court. The Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education & Specialization is giving $20,000 to each court. The CLE Commission has earmarked $100,000 to help courts throughout the state get education, training and support for the specialized courts.