The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has unveiled a new initiative that grants agency attorneys the legal authority to initiate guardianship proceedings for homeless veterans, potentially forcing them into mental health care. The plan, announced on Wednesday, aims to address the needs of nearly 33,000 homeless veterans in the US, with around 14,000 living on the streets, according to the 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report.
Under the initiative, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will appoint VA lawyers as special assistant US attorneys, enabling them to start and participate in state court guardianship or conservatorship cases. These proceedings are intended for vulnerable veterans who require a legal decision-maker to transition from intensive medical care to a secondary care facility.
The Trump administration has stated that the programme will help veterans “avoid unwarranted continued hospitalization, protect their rights, and promote appropriate transitions of care.” However, critics warn that the guardianships could also be used to force homeless veterans into involuntary treatment for mental illness and drug addiction, as reported by The New York Times.
Jennifer Mathis, deputy director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, expressed concern that the initiative might lead to veterans being placed in congregate or institutional settings due to a lack of alternatives. The Independent has contacted the VA and DOJ for comment.
The move follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in July, which directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to encourage the use of civil commitment for homeless individuals. VA Secretary Doug Collins and Attorney General Bondi both praised the partnership, emphasising the commitment to providing timely and appropriate care for veterans.
