The current project seeks federal funds over 48 months for enhancement (category 2) of the pulaski county veterans treatment court (PC-VTC) in little rock, arkansas

PC-VTC is a minimum 14-month post-plea program that serves justice involved veterans who are: an adult resident of pulaski county, a veteran and eligible for treatment at the little rock department of veterans affairs, charged with a non-violent felony or misdemeanor, are high risk per the risk assessment and needs triage (RANT), and have a substance use or mental health need. The program currently has a capacity of 15 participants, but IT seeks to double program capacity across the life of the grant (year 1: 17-18 individuals, year 2: 20-22 individuals, year 3: 23-25 individuals, and year 4: 30 individuals). Program participants will have access to all forms of the food and drug administration (FDA)-approved medications to treat substance use disorder and accompanying behavioral health services through the department of veterans affairs. The program is seeking consideration for priority #1A so IT can evaluate whether there are disparities in access and program experience and produce evidence-based solutions for addressing any identified disparities.