(Harrisburg) -- A midstate county is joining others around the state in designing a court program aimed at keeping veterans out of jail. Dauphin County plans to open a veterans court. It would allow vets to avoid priston time or have their records cleared by meeting with the court weekly and undergoing any necessary mental health or drug and alcohol treatment. Judge Bruce Bratton, a Vietnam veteran who will oversee the court, says there's a large need in the county for the program. "We see veterans frequently going through the courts," he says. "We have about 300 or so in the criminal justice system at any point in time, either under supervision or incarceration." Vietnam veteran Allen Welch says it's a great way to help those who've committed minor crimes get back on their feet. "I think it's the kind of thing we need a lot more of. As much as we like to deny it, we have a long history of casting veterans aside," he says. The court, which will be funded by the county's Veterans Affairs office, is scheduled to open by the end of the year. Berks, Lancaster, and Northumberland counties also have veterans court programs.