Judge Anthony D'Apolito, Derick Young, and Jack Russell joined us this afternoon to accept the flags for the Veterans Honors Court. The flags will preside behind Judge D'Apolito's stand in the courtroom.
The court is modeled after the pioneering veterans court that operates in Youngstown Municipal Court for former service men and women charged with misdemeanors. Like other veterans dockets across Ohio and the nation, it seeks to treat veterans by breaking the cycle of drug use, taming mental-health demons and addressing other behavioral issues that often lie at the heart of aberrant behavior. In return for robust participation in a highly regimented and disciplined program of rehabilitation, successful court graduates avoid jail time.
The goal of the court is to provide necessary treatment, support and services to veterans involved in the criminal justice system so they may obtain and maintain stable, law-abiding and healthy lives; thereby becoming positive and productive members of our community.
We hope to host them at an upcoming meeting to discuss more about the Veterans Honor Court and how it impacts our Valley.
