Judiciary Completes Veterans Treatment Court Docket Viability Study

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The NMI Judiciary recently completed a Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) docket viability study, with the final report, Implementing a VTC Docket in the NMI Judiciary MHC, submitted on July 30, 2025.

The assessment was made possible through a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), secured by former Congressman Gregorio Kilili Sablan. The Judiciary contracted NPC Research to conduct the study. In fall 2024, NPC Research completed a week-long site visit and conducted thirty-one interviews with thirty-four individuals from relevant agencies and organizations.

NPC Research also supported the Mental Health Court (MHC) in drafting a proposal to Justice for Vets to conduct a foundational VTC workshop, which was held April 9–11, 2024. Additionally, Justice for Vets expert trainers conducted a two-day VTC Mentor Professional Development Bootcamp from April 7–8, 2025.

The viability study confirmed a strong need for specialized and coordinated substance use disorder and mental health services for justice-involved veterans in the CNMI. Challenges identified include limited data tracking and the absence of an on-island Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) officer, although Hawaii-based VJO officers currently provide support. The report also recommends collaborating with the Attorney General’s office to explore more inclusive eligibility criteria, particularly for veterans with violent offenses.

Stakeholders expressed strong support for the initiative, and the study notes that the existing court infrastructure provides a solid foundation to implement a VTC docket in the CNMI. The Judiciary must now decide whether to pursue the VTC docket and, if so, identify the funding source to establish and sustain it.