TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — South-central Idaho is getting a Veterans Treatment Court to help handle a growing docket of trauma, substance abuse and mental health cases involving former service members.

The Times-News reports the 5th Judicial District already has five problem solving courts dealing with issues like drugs and mental health. Idaho expanded these types of courts in 2000 to reduce repeat offenders and improve cost-efficiency. Problem solving court manager Richard Neu says service members usually experience issues a couple of years after returning from deployment.

He said based on the National Guard schedule, more cases involving veterans are likely. The Twins Falls Veterans Treatment Court is set to open Oct. 1. It will be the fifth in Idaho. Neu said the biggest community push for the court came from Vietnam veterans.

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