HARRISBURG – With some incarcerated veterans suffering from service-related, trauma-based conditions, the state Senate Wednesday approved a resolution introduced by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) calling for a state commission to study if they’re receiving adequate treatment.
“Many of our veterans suffered traumas during their years of service, and those experiences cause wounds that can benefit from treatment,” Coleman said. “Regardless of how a military veteran landed in the criminal justice system, we have a responsibility to provide treatment for the trauma they experienced while serving our nation.”
Coleman’s Senate Resolution 196 directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to study whether military veterans in Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system suffering the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma or traumatic brain injury (TBI) are being actively and adequately treated. Coleman specifically wants to know about PTSD, TBI and other trauma-based treatments among veterans because their military service may make them susceptible to developing these conditions.
The resolution calls on the commission to collaborate with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and the Office of Attorney General.
The resolution gives the commission 15 months to collect information, complete the study and deliver the results in the form of a report to the Senate.
Coleman’s remarks delivered in the Senate in support of the resolution are viewable here.
Residents who want to learn more about Coleman can visit his website at www.SenatorColeman.com, follow him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenatorJarrettColeman and sign up for email newsletters at www.SenatorColeman.com/eNewsletters.
CONTACT: Leo Knepper