The administration of Donald Trump announced a plan allowing attorneys from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to seek court-appointed guardianships for certain homeless veterans.

Under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, VA lawyers can act in state courts to start guardianship or conservatorship cases when veterans lack family members to make decisions for them.

The program could affect about 700 veterans who may need help managing medical care, including mental health or substance-abuse treatment.

Supporters say the system helps ensure proper care and smoother transitions from VA hospitals to community services, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Critics argue that such conservatorships—like the one once imposed on Britney Spears—can threaten civil liberties and stigmatize mental illness.