A competitive grant is one in which not all applicants are selected and must apply for.

The $2 million grant will be used to implement treatment courts in Leavenworth County, Shawnee County and help the program already implemented in Wyandotte County.

Over the years Leavenworth County has encountered justice-involved veterans charged with misdemeanors and felonies who face challenges in their lives from struggles with substance abuse and mental health concerns.

In such cases, results such as incarceration, monetary fines and probation supervision alone may not reach the root cause of criminal conduct. The purpose of the Leavenworth County Veterans Treatment Court is to provide a treatment alternative for diverting Veterans from incarceration into supervised treatment and supportive services, amplifying public safety and reducing the reentry of offenders to the criminal justice system.

“This program is set up to help any justice-involved former military personnel who have been charged with low level offenses,” said Todd Thompson, Leavenworth County Attorney. “We hope to have the program started by the beginning of next year.”