Luzerne County court officials are looking for a few good men and women.
The county is poised to launch a "veterans court" program and needs a group of volunteers who served in the military to act as mentors for defendants.
Veterans court will specifically handle criminal cases involving military veterans and will streamline their treatment plans, said Luzerne County Judge Joseph Sklarosky Jr., who has been selected to head the court.
Judge Sklarosky said details about eligibility and the legal model the court will follow are still being finalized. He said the court will be similar to the county's treatment court, which aims to treat an offender's drug problems and erases a defendant's criminal case if he completes the intensive program.
A key difference, Judge Sklarosky said, is the veteran mentor.
"Veterans share a special bond. There's a certain level of respect," Judge Sklarosky said. "Based on what we've been able to learn, it's a support role. It's an advice role. Someone to call with questions. It may entail something as simple as giving a ride."
Fifteen counties in Pennsylvania have a veterans court, including Lackawanna County.
According to the state court, veterans courts are designed to assist veterans charged with nonviolent crimes who are struggling with addiction, mental illness or other disorders.
Judge Sklarosky said Luzerne County officials have met with officials in Lackawanna County and will soon be meeting with Montgomery County officials about the program.
Veteran defendants will be required to follow through with all recommendations by the court, much like participant of drug court, the judge said.
Judge Sklarosky said he'll be able to mandate veterans to seek services from the Veterans Administration, such as drug and alcohol treatment and job assistance.
Anyone interested in becoming a veteran mentor may call Judge Sklarosky's chambers at 825-1803.
Contact the writer: bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com