Grant awarded to expand Veterans Court services
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office has been awarded a $148,750 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand Veterans Treatment Court services within the circuit and establish a new Veterans Court in Darlington County.
The funding will support operations for both Chesterfield County Veterans Court and the newly established Darlington County Veterans Court, ensuring that veterans across the Fourth Circuit have greater access to specialized treatment-focused judicial programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by justice-involved veterans.
Chief Justice John W. Kittredge of the South Carolina Supreme Court recently signed an administrative order formally establishing the Darlington County Veterans Treatment Court and appointing Judge Craig LaCross as the presiding judge.
Veterans Treatment Courts are specialized court programs that connect eligible veterans involved in the criminal justice system with treatment services, mentorship, and supervision designed to address underlying issues such as substance abuse, mental health conditions, and service-related trauma.
“These courts recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made and provide an opportunity to address the issues that may have contributed to their involvement in the justice system,” said Fourth Circuit Solicitor Paul ‘Mike’ Burch. “Our goal is to help veterans receive the treatment and support they need while also strengthening public safety in our communities.”
Oliver Segars, Communications Coordinator for the Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, said the expansion marks an important step in ensuring veterans throughout the circuit have access to these services.
“We are proud to see this program expand into Darlington County,” Segars said. “Our goal is to continue growing Veterans Court so that the men and women who served our country — including those here in Darlington County — have access to the support, treatment, and accountability that these programs provide.”
The Veterans Treatment Court model relies on collaboration between the judiciary, the Solicitor’s Office, defense attorneys, law enforcement, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, treatment providers, and volunteer veteran mentors.
Officials say the new Darlington County Veterans Court will operate in coordination with the existing Chesterfield County program and will serve veterans across the Fourth Judicial Circuit.