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Veterans Treatment Court
HANDBOOK
May 21, 2015
Jay E. Town
AMERICA’S WARRIOR PARTNERSHIP
AMERICA’S WARRIOR PARTNERSHIP
Veterans Treatment Court
HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I.
Program Description & Functionality ...............................................................................3
II.
Ten Pillars & Goals of the Veterans Treatment Court Program ...................................5
III.
Veterans Treatment Court Team Roles ............................................................................7
IV.
Veterans Treatment Court Program Structure .............................................................12
Phase I: Orientation & Treatment.............................................................................13
Phase II: Recovery, Development & Reintegration .................................................14
Phase III: Community Transition & Graduation ....................................................15
V.
Admissions Committee, Admission, Pleas & Discharge ................................................17
VI.
Court Status Review, Incentives & Sanctions.................................................................20
VII.
Veterans Treatment Court Mentors ................................................................................22
VIII. Community Veterans Organizations Liaisons ................................................................24
IX.
Veterans Administration Liaisons ...................................................................................26
X.
Participant Assessment & Treatment..............................................................................27
XI.
Case Management Officer & Program Specialists .......................................................28
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XII.
Miscellaneous .....................................................................................................................29
Data Reporting & Evaluation .....................................................................................29
Funding Sources ...........................................................................................................30
Confidentiality ..............................................................................................................30
Substance Testing & Monitoring ................................................................................30
“Color Code” Protocols ...............................................................................................31
Alcohol Monitoring Devices ........................................................................................32
Prescription & Over-the-Counter Medications .........................................................33
Other Sources for Information on Veterans Treatment Courts ..............................33
APPENDIX I (Sample Veterans Treatment Court Application) ..............................................34
APPENDIX II (Sample VTC Mentors Handbook) ....................................................................49
APPENDIX III (Sample Participant Graduation Questionnaire) ............................................60
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The mission of the Veterans Treatment Court is to provide veterans that have entered the
criminal justice system a diversionary prosecutorial method by which they can avail
themselves of a holistic approach to veterans’ services. The context of the criminal justice
system allows the prosecuting authority to maintain positive control over an individual
charged with a crime while the court provides that individual veteran with the opportunity to
rehabilitate themselves through myriad community, state and federal veterans’ resources and
create a more productive, industrious and lawful life.
I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION & FUNCTIONALITY
Program Description. The Veterans Treatment Court (or Veterans Court) program provides a
means to divert eligible veteran participants from the traditional criminal justice system and provide
them support and rehabilitation through comprehensive substance abuse and/or mental health
treatment; education; vocational programs; and community resource referrals for housing,
childcare, and transportation, all while being judicially monitored. Diversionary courts, such as
VTCs, Drug Courts, Mental Health Courts, are increasingly common in the modern criminal justice
era, especially in population centers. Similar to these diversionary courts, participants in VTC will
have to take a plea before the court but sentencing will be withheld while the defendant participates
in Veterans Court. If the participant graduates Veterans Court then the case will be dismissed. If
the participant fails to graduate for any reason then the sentencing portion of the plea will be
executed and the participant sentenced in the normal course.
Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC) are a made up of an extensive collaboration between the criminal
justice system (judge, prosecutor, defense lawyer) and dedicated partners, mentors, mental health
specialists, addiction specialists, including criminal justice, federal veterans’ agencies, and local
community veterans’ organizations. The target population includes military veterans who have
been charged with felony non-violent criminal offense(s) and who are identified with substance
dependency and/or serious mental health issues (discussed at length herein).
The following terms and definitions apply to this Veterans Treatment Court Manual:
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Court: This refers to the Veterans Treatment Court itself or the presiding judge, depending
on the context. The two can be used interchangeably.
Prosecutor: This is the State’s Attorney, District Attorney, Attorney General’s Office or
City Attorney, his assistants or deputies, and generally any person charged with prosecuting
the underlying offense that is the subject matter of a defendant’s appearance in Veterans
Treatment Court.
VTC: Veterans Treatment Court or Veterans Court.
Applicant: This is the defendant prior to being accepted to the VTC.
Participant: This is the defendant or defendant-participant.
Dismissal: There are many ways in which a charge may be dismissed depending upon the
charge itself. The general term “dismissal” applies to any motion, order, no bill, etc. that
might result in the dismissal disposition of charges.
Supervision Officer: This is the “mentor” of any particular participant.
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Program Specialist: This is any mental health, addiction or health care service provider in
the context of those who evaluate and treat a given VTC participant.
VTC Functionality. The Veterans Treatment Court, like any diversionary court, may be adapted
to fit the processes of the respective judicial circuit or jurisdiction. A VTC structure is a flexible
structure with suggested and preeminent goals that ensure the efficacy and impact of every VTC
Program. Despite the flexibility of a VTC Program, the process that successfully enrolls and
graduates a veteran-participant in VTC will normally see the participant enter the system as
follows:
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Veteran is arrested for a qualified, non-violent offense;
The offense is “VTC eligible” per the stated restrictions in the VTC Application or
information packet, meaning that the offense itself is per se acceptable for enrollment in
VTC (special considerations may be made on case-by-case basis by prosecutor and Judge);
Defendant’s defense counsel requests of prosecutor the ability to apply for entry into the
VTC Program;
Prosecutor approves defendant’s ability to make application (if such is not approved then
defendant is not eligible for VTC and the case is prosecuted in the normal course);
Defendant-participant makes formal application to participate in VTC, normally through
defendant’s defense counsel;
Application is received by the VTC and forwarded to the standing Admissions Committee
for review and recommendation of approval;
Admissions Committee recommends acceptance or denial of acceptance to the judge based
on the information obtained in the application and/or any other information requested by the
Admissions Committee;
Judge makes final determination of admission, regardless of Admissions Committee
recommendation but in deference to the Admissions Committee in most instances;
Defendant is notified through his/her defense counsel of acceptance or denial into the VTC
Program;
If denied acceptance to VTC, defendant is prosecuted in the normal course;
If granted acceptance to VTC defendant is placed on a docket for a plea…or what becomes
known as a “Veterans Court Plea”;
Defendant pleads guilty to the charge(s) pursuant to a plea agreement but sentencing,
pursuant to the same agreement, is suspended so that defendant may participate in the VTC
Program;
Defendant enters Phase I of the VTC Program and is charged to complete all three phases of
the VTC Program;
Failure to complete any phase of the VTC Program will result in discharge from the VTC
Program and immediate sentence pursuant to the previously referenced plea agreement
(defendant-participants are NOT allowed to withdraw their pleas of guilty);
Defendant is assessed by relevant specialists and case management officer to design the
individual program for each participant;
Defendant is assigned a mentor to enable the participant to have a support structure while
participating in the VTC Program;
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Completion of all phases of the VTC Program results in graduation from the VTC Program
and dismissal of all charges that were the subject of the plea agreement.
The court system is often a slow and arduous system with safeguards that often serve to
significantly slow progress toward finality for a veteran in the justice system. Early identification
of veterans in the criminal justice system is critical to the greatest efficacy for the veteran.
Developing processes that capture that a potential applicant is a veteran, such as a simple jail intake
question or subsequent notification to the VTC of an incarcerated veteran, will help all veterans in
the criminal justice system in a particular jurisdiction to avail themselves of an available VTC.
II. TEN PILLARS & GOALS OF THE VETERANS TREATMENT COURT PROGRAM
Ten Pillars of the Veterans Treatment Court. The Veterans Treatment Court team is made up of
the judge that oversees the VTC, the prosecutor, the veteran-participant’s defense counsel, an
admissions committee, mental health and addiction specialists and a team of mentors for each
veteran-participant in the court. The team regularly reviews the mission statement, program goals,
and the “ten pillars” to continually bolster the efficacy of the VTC. The following ten tenets of
Veterans Treatment Court are pillars for the success of any VTC:
1. Veterans Treatment Courts offer a holistic approach to veterans who have entered the
criminal justice system, to include alcohol, drug treatment and mental health services and
also access to a variety of integrated veterans services for the Veterans Treatment Court
participant.
2. Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety
while protecting the veteran-participants’ due process rights.
3. Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the Veterans Treatment
Court Program.
4. Veterans Treatment Courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and other related
treatment and rehabilitation services.
5. Abstinence is monitored by frequent random alcohol and other drug testing.
6. A coordinated strategy governs Veterans Treatment Court responses to participants’
compliance and provides a common operating plan for treatment providers and other VTC
personnel.
7. The Judge is the leader of the Veterans Treatment Court team.
8. Fundamental to the effective operation of Veterans Courts is coordinated management,
monitoring and evaluation systems.
9. Continuing interdisciplinary education for all Veterans Treatment Court staff and team
members promotes effective Veterans Court planning, implementation, and operations.
10. Forging partnerships among treatment courts, public agencies, and integrated communitybased organizations generates local support and enhances Veterans Treatment Court
effectiveness.
Ten Goals of the Veterans Treatment Court Program. There are several primary goals of every
diversionary court. Particularly, the VTC has specific goals since the VTC deals directly with an
exclusive group of defendants…namely veterans. Veterans face issues that are sometimes very
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different from garden variety defendants. Generally, the ten goals for every Veterans Treatment
Court are as follows:
1. Promote sobriety, recovery, and stability for veterans in need by providing substance abuse
and mental health treatment coupled with academic and vocational skill-building services.
2. Provide early identification of eligible program participants in an effort to compel
individuals’ problem recognition and confront denial, while at the same time accelerating
the treatment process for eligible offenders by expediting the admission process.
3. Engage in community education and partnership efforts to develop shared understanding
and foster a spirit of commitment and collaboration with the Veterans Administration,
treatment providers, volunteer mentors, the criminal justice system, and other organizations.
4. Address the needs of non-violent adult, alcohol and substance-abusing felony veteran
offenders by establishing a non-adversarial adult Veterans Treatment Court Program.
5. Increase the safety to the public and encourage participants to remain substance free and/or
in recovery from mental illness, and crime free, while reducing the recidivism rate and
eliminating the cost of confining non-violent alcohol and substance abusive offenders,
therefore providing relief to the criminal justice system.
6. Develop and implement a Mentor component to enhance treatment compliance and
completion.
7. Discover any benefits of which a veteran participant may be eligible with various agencies
and organizations, to include aid from state and federal agencies, seeking upgrade in
discharge from the Armed Forces and determining eligibility in any program offered by
applicable private organizations.
8. Compare the impact of the Veterans Treatment Court on the adult population and the
recidivism rate of criminal offenders in treatment and traditional courts by using an outcome
based method of evaluation.
9. Track the overall successes of the Veterans Treatment Court Program to develop a metrics
of effectiveness so that other surrounding judicial circuits/jurisdictions will participate in
this important program.
10. Inform and instruct local, state and federal government bodies, to include prosecutorial
offices, of the overall positive impact of developing a VTC.
Development and achievement of the “Ten Pillars and Goals” of any VTC Program will result in
the most successful program possible. It will also ensure that a holistic approach to veterans
services is implemented so that each veteran-participant receives the care and structure necessary.
The VTC Program is a hand up, not a hand out.
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III. VETERANS TREATMENT COURT TEAM ROLES
A Veterans Treatment Court team shall be the operational entity of the program, providing a
uniform and consistent focus, with the common goal of the participant’s recovery and successful
community reintegration. All members of the VTC Team shall act in the decorum expected and
required of the Court.
The following offers descriptions of suggest VTC Team Members and their respective roles in the
VTC Program. Many of the “titles” below can be filled by the same individual or relatively small
group of individuals:
Team Members Generally
★ The members of the VTC Team include the Judge, Prosecutor, defense lawyer, admission
committee members, mentors, mental health specialist, addiction specialist, case
management officer, various liaisons to veterans service organizations and agencies and any
other person or entity the VTC deems appropriate for the care and structure of the veteranparticipant.
★ Participate in the development of the participant’s individual plan as progress is made
through the program;
★ Make recommendations for sanctions and incentives after reviewing treatment and
supervision reports for participants;
★ Provide encouragement and support to each offender throughout the program;
★ Some roles may be executed by the same person or persons, depending on VTC
requirements, planning, funding and volunteer availability.
★ Plan and improve the policies and procedures for Veterans Treatment Court on a regular
basis.
Judge
★ Directs the efficient operation of the Court and ensures that participant information is
reported to all agencies involved;
★ Schedules regular dockets requiring the participation or reporting of all participations;
★ Participates in Staffing and settles disputes concerning the imposition of sanctions,
incentives, or other actions when the team is not unanimous;
★ Qualifies all mentors with the relevant Office of Courts, or similar functionary, which
allows the mentors to view otherwise private information regarding the VTC participant, the
criminal case and any other necessary information, to include health care/HIPAA
information, that will allow the mentor to perform their role in an appropriate manner;
★ Supervises the progress of each participant by having regular court review hearings, and
administers all appropriate actions consistent with the state laws.
Prosecutor/District Attorney
★ Works to educate law enforcement and the defense bar to recognize potential candidates for
Veterans Treatment Court;
★ Delegates duties to a Deputy or Assistant District Attorney;
★ Reviews new charges to assess for program eligibility;
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★ Screens potential participants’ applications by reviewing current charge(s), facilitating
interstate and national background checks, and requesting input of supervision concerning
previous probationary supervisions;
★ Determines if the offender meets criteria for the Veterans Treatment Court Program and
approves or rejects admission as part of the VTC Admissions Committee;
★ Attends all Veterans Treatment Court team meetings;
★ Provides education to the public, including victims, as to the benefits of the Veterans
Treatment Court Program;
★ Keeps the team apprised of any new charges the participants may incur while in the program
and recommends sanctions or termination from the program.
Defense Attorney/Public Defender
★ Review the VTC Application ensuring completion of every section of the application and
that all appropriate documents or forms accompany the VTC Application;
★ Reviews plea documents with prospective participants prior to plea, including: trial rights;
waiver of rights; performance contract; phase contracts; plea bargain; and end result,
whether successful or unsuccessful;
★ Reviews plea forms and conditions with participants upon approval for admission to the
Veterans Treatment Court;
★ Ensures the offender is fully cognizant of his/her rights prior to entering the Program;
★ May join as a team member or appear before the team to help evaluate the participant’s
progress and argue for reduction of sanctions or particular incentives regarding clients;
★ If the State files a motion to terminate a participant from the program, the attorney will
apprise the participant of his/her rights; defend the action; and if the motion is granted,
appear at sentencing with the participant;
★ Help to educate the defense bar and community regarding all aspects of Veterans Treatment
Court.
Admissions Committee:
★ Consists of select members of the VTC Team to include at least one prosecutor, one veteran,
one mental health or addiction specialist and a member of the criminal defense bar;
★ Reviews all applications submitted to the VTC;
★ Submits recommendations for approval or disapproval to the Court on ALL applications;
★ Develops, inquires and/or gathers any additional information from a defendant or defense
counsel regarding any particular applicant in order to develop the broadest possible picture
of whether an applicant should be recommended for acceptance to the VTC Program.
VTC Case Management Officer:
★ Supervises program participants on a regular basis with observed drug tests, home visits,
and monitoring of status of employment and/or vocational rehabilitation attendance;
★ Provides weekly reports to the team or as otherwise required;
★ Tests participants by urinalysis and/or breathalyzer in accordance with the standard
regulations, and according to manufacturer’s instructions;
★ Notifies the Court of any violations and accomplishments by the participants and
recommends appropriate sanctions and incentives.
Mental Health or Addiction Specialist
★ Recommend initial and continued evaluations and treatment for each VTC participant;
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★ Submits evaluation reports to the Judge or team in a timely manner so that participants can
begin support of the treatment process as soon as possible;
★ Recommends the most appropriate treatment provider for each participant based on key
factors including individual legal history and current criminal charges, veteran status,
indicators for treatment readiness, co-occurring mental health diagnostic criteria, type and
history of drug use, age and/or sex of offender, geographic location of provider in relation to
participant’s home, and specialized services offered that may be relevant to the unique needs
of the participant.
Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator
★ Submits grant applications and solicits state and federal funding for program management
and development;
★ Develops and presents orientations and handbooks for new program participants;
★ Maintains oversight of current participant records;
★ Coordinates statistical data collection and outcomes management information;
★ Coordinates public relations and educational activities with local and state news agencies
and the community;
★ Informs legislators of problems and needs, as well as strengths and progress, of Veterans
Treatment Court and its participants;
★ Assists with program evaluation to improve processes;
★ Oversees case management information system;
★ Collects and analyzes information from entry and exit polls to improve the overall quality of
the program;
★ Provides information to the Court regarding treatment agency performance, and other
reports as requested;
★ Manages the daily operations of the program;
★ Facilitates the orientation program for incoming participants, including distribution and
explanation of the Participant Handbook and its contents;
★ Provides leadership and direction over team staffing meetings in an effort to present a united
front in court;
★ Coordinates with treatment providers and supervision regarding participants’ progress in the
program, as well as additional treatment or supportive needs;
★ Advocates for incentives and sanctions for program participants based on reports from
treatment and supervision;
★ Engages in direct contact with participants on a regular basis and/or prior to each scheduled
court appearance.
Mentor Coordinator
★ Recruits volunteer mentors;
★ Screens prospective volunteer mentor candidates;
★ Coordinates qualification of all mentors with the relevant Office of Courts, or similar
functionary, which allows the mentors to view otherwise private information regarding the
VTC participant, the criminal case and any other necessary information, to include health
care/HIPAA information, which will allow the mentor to perform their role in an
appropriate manner.
★ Educates the public about Veterans Treatment Court and the role of volunteers;
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★ Assists in the retention of mentors;
★ Organizes and conducts trainings for mentors;
★ Plans and implements mentor recognition activities.
Volunteer VTC Mentors
★ Provide ongoing support and encouragement to program participants;
★ Assist veterans with court proceedings;
★ Aid VTC participants in getting all of the assistance, treatment and/or services as required or
ordered by the VTC judge.
★ Maintain weekly communication with each program participant and help provide the VTC
participant with guidance throughout the program, no matter the phase.
Veterans Organization Liaisons
★ Offers a unique ability to serve as a point of contact for various government agencies, to
include the Department of Veterans Affairs;
★ Coordinates and advocates for veteran-participants benefits through various government
agencies at the local, state and federal level;
★ Coordinates with other charitable organizations to provide for a holistic approach to the
veteran-participants integration into the community, to include those organizations
specializing in jobs, job training, job placement, education, housing, benefits and legal
assistance;
★ Ideally, the Veterans Organization offers a holistic approach to veterans services so that the
veteran-participant only need make positive contact with one organization, insuring the
greatest ability to be successful in VTC and beyond;
★ Drafts and submits grant proposals on behalf of the Veterans Treatment Court with funds
being used to support the veteran-participant.
Veterans Administration Liaisons
★ Identify health care issues and develop a treatment plan particularized to a participant;
★ Identify benefits owing and due a participant and develop a plan of action to make
application for qualified benefits;
★ Identify all potential claims and review previous claims that have already been denied or
have yet to be determined as proper, either in part or in whole;
★ Responsible for reviewing the initial evaluation report and referral information on each
participant referred to treatment;
★ Works with each participant to develop an individualized treatment plan utilizing a holistic
approach to meet participant-identified needs;
★ Provides a treatment orientation within 48 hours of plea and entry into the program;
★ Provides an array of therapeutic interventions to meet the treatment needs of each
participant, which may include individual and group therapy, family counseling, crisis
intervention, education, rehabilitation, and case management services;
★ Refers for additional services as needed;
★ Intervenes appropriately upon receipt of positive drug test results;
★ Reports on participants’ progress including non-compliance issues as they occur via written
(web based) report and team staffing meetings;
★ Utilize pre-approved and evidence-based curriculum for therapeutic interventions;
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★ Maintains appropriate level/hours of contact with each participant based on their unique
needs and in accordance with assessed level of care;
★ Provides screening and linkage to multiple inpatient care options for participants assessed as
needing this higher level of care.
Vocational-Educational Coordinator
★ Facilitates reading and educational screenings and assessments;
★ Refers participants to resources in the community for temporary and permanent
employment;
★ Maintains tracking of GED classes and testing results of program participants;
★ Links participants to literacy classes and reading tutors as needed;
★ Identifies and networks with local agencies providing employment-related resources;
★ Networks with local colleges, vocational schools, and other educational and vocational
programs in the community.
Community Resource Coordinator
★ Facilitates outreach to build and enhance relationships with community resource agencies,
charities and services;
★ Identifies new referral sources and adds to existing resource database;
★ Works with participants to develop a community engagement plan prior to program
graduation;
★ Serves as mentor for Intensive Case Managers;
★ Assists with coordination of team training related to local resources and referrals;
★ Acts as a community resource specialist for treatment providers and other team members.
Legal Community Partnerships
★ This includes local law enforcement, the law enforcement authority who oversees
administration of the local jail, jail intake officer, prosecution, defense bar, defense counsel
or public defender or contract defense counsel, relevant judicial circuit judges and any
charitable legal cause that may assist defendants in their representation or participants in
their supervised VTC process.
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IV. VTC PROGRAM STRUCTURE (THREE PHASES)
The Veterans Treatment Court Program integrates court supervision and an extensive network of
treatment services and community support mechanisms, organizations and agencies. The program
offers a three-tiered approach to allow the participant to have several transitional goals throughout
the VTC Program. The first phase is the Orientation & Treatment Phase. The second phase is
Recovery, Development & Reintegration Phase. The third and final phase is the Community
Transition & Graduation Phase.
The first phase is designed to orient the veteran with all of the possible and available treatment and
veterans service options available. Early in this phase the participant can be expected to be
overwhelmed, confused and somewhat despondent. Often times there is shame or embarrassment
associated with entry into the criminal justice system, discussion of prior military service and the
issues that accompany each VTC participant covered in open court before dozens of strangers. This
first phase is the most critical to any participant’s success. Orienting the participant to the program
structure and designing a treatment program for the participant, often based on many of the veterans
benefits and services due the participant, is the object of Phase I.
The second phase is designed to allow the participant to begin the recovery process and participate
constructively in it. This phase allows the participant to develop confidence in myriad areas of the
participant’s life, to include counseling for substance abuse, becoming employed, enrolling in
school, receiving veterans benefits, etc. Moreover, the participant has already completed at least six
months of the VTC program and is therefore granted the responsibility to participate in the rigors of
court less often. This not only gives the participant a sense of responsibility but a sense of
pride…and emotion likely not felt by a given participant in some length of time. This reintegration
into the community and society reflect positively on the participant.
The third and final phase is designed to transition the participant to being fully independent of the
VTC Team. This will result in less contact, sometimes unsupervised contact, by the Court, mentors
and the rest of the VTC Team. The purpose of granting that independence is twofold: one, the court
can assure itself that this participant can exist without supervision and two, the participant receives
the satisfaction of creating his or her own independence through successful completion of 75% of
the VTC Program. This phase culminates in a full graduation ceremony and celebration.
A minimum of twelve months of active treatment is required for participants to complete all three
phases of the program. Each phase includes court and supervision requirements, and addresses
specific treatment and recovery goals, with therapeutic interventions and rehabilitative directives to
be completed in order to advance to the next phase or graduate.
The three phases are outlined below:
Phase
Phase I: Orientation & Treatment
Phase II: Recovery, Development & Reintegration
Phase III: Community Transition & Graduation
12
Months in Phase
6 months minimum
3 months minimum
3 months minimum
Court Review
Every two weeks
Every four weeks
Partially
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Treatment attendance is required and is provided according to each participant’s individual
treatment needs. Participants will typically be placed in either intensive outpatient or extended
outpatient treatment, according to their assessment. Some participants, depending on their
assessment, may be placed in inpatient treatment. The judge will make such determinations in
conjunction with advice from relevant members of the VTC Team. Regular communication is
maintained throughout the participant’s stay in the residential or inpatient facility.
Phase Advancement and Promotion. In order to advance to the next phase in VTC, participants
hold the primary responsibility of completing all phase requirements. Upon a showing to the Court
that the participant has completed and/or complied with all terms of a particular phase then that
participant will advance to the next phase. The final phase, Phase III, includes graduation from the
VTC Program and dismissal of all diverted charges.
The court will review participant progress in each phase, which includes the Phase Promotion
Check Sheets and any other evaluative process for each particular participant. Participant
requirements for each phase are outlined in the VTC Application and in the Orientation portion of
Phase I as outlined below. Furthermore, the court may extend each phase for a period the court
deems necessary. If the participant refuses this extension then that shall be considered a withdrawal
from the VTC and the participant shall be sentenced pursuant to their plea agreement.
PHASE I: Orientation & Treatment – 6 month requirement (minimum)
Generally. Phase I is designed to orient the participant with the rigors of Veterans Court. It is also
designed to identify and mandate any necessary treatment requirements of the participant. This
phase also develops a plan of action for the participant as it relates to many aspects of the
participant’s life, such as education, employment, veterans services, benefits and treatment.
Treatment Requirements: The participant must be assessed by any relevant review officers or
professionals, to include a probation officer, correctional review officer, mental health specialist,
addiction specialist or any other person or professional as the judge may dictate to each participant.
Additional sessions may be required by the treatment provider. This also includes attendance at
community support meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.
Treatment milestones must have been met in order for any participant to advance to Phase II.
Case Management Requirements: The participant must attend an initial assessment session to
evaluate basic case management needs. An initial Case Management Plan is to be completed and
submitted prior to request for promotion. A primary focus is on stable and sober housing in this
phase. Educational, job and training requirements should be identified at this phase as well.
Participants should be actively seeking employment or education at this time, but are not required to
have secured employment in order to advance to Phase II. Any severe physical or mental health
conditions should be evaluated, referred and treated immediately.
Supervision Requirements: The participant is required to meet with the assigned mentor a
minimum of four times per month. The manner of that contact, whether live, by telephone or
virtual, shall be determined by the supervision officer. The participant must maintain curfew
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throughout the phase. Travel outside of the county is not allowed during Phase I and the participant
should not change residences without first advising supervision. Unscheduled home visits or
employment check-ups may be conducted at any time, as well as random drug testing.
Court Requirements: The participant must attend court status reviews as determined by the Court
and the structured regimen of the VTC. It is recommended that VTC be in session at least two
times per month at consistent times and days of the week. This ensures maximum attendance by
participants, mentors, attorneys, case managers, etc., through a reliable calendar. The participant
must maintain compliance with all court orders and VTC Program requirements.
Drug Testing and Minimum Sobriety Requirements: As an express condition of the VTC
Program each participant will submit to urinalysis and/or breath analysis tests at whenever directed
by the Court. If a participant is placed on a “color code” system then the participant will have a
urinalysis conducted on the day the participant’s assigned color is called, as well as “on-demand” as
requested by any VTC team member and ordered by the Court. A specimen that has been tampered
with or is dilute will be considered a positive result. Any positive result may result in dismissal
from, or extension on, the VTC Program.
Fee Requirements: If the VTC Program requires fees then he participant is expected to maintain
current payments on fees, though payment is not a requirement for promotion to Phase II. All fees
must be paid prior to graduation. The Court may require a participant to pay for any or all
urinalysis testing.
It may be necessary to consult government counsel to determine whether an enabling statute is
necessary to collect fees. The following are examples of fees that may be charged for participation
in a VTC Program :
★ Veterans Court Program Fee;
★ Supervision fees;
★ Drug testing;
★ Contempt fines for positive drug screens or insubordination;
★ Any other “monitoring” device;
If a participant is considered “indigent” then VTC courts should budget for whatever testing
measures the court will require or partner with community organizations to fund these monitoring
measures.
PHASE II: Recovery, Development & Reintegration – 3 month requirement (minimum)
Generally. This phase is designed to aggressively develop a continued plan of action for the
participant’s treatment. Less supervision is required because the participant has shown the Court
that he or she can handle the rigors of Phase I, which is the most intensive phase.
Treatment Requirements: Participants must continue all required treatment (individual and group
counseling sessions) in accordance with the judge’s order and discretion. No treatment shall be
discontinued without permission from the Court. All milestones must be continue to be met and
progress must be perceptible on all treatment measures as outlined by the treatment plan.
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Supervision Requirements: The participant is required to continue to meet with the assigned
supervision officer or mentor four times per month, at times and locations determined by the
supervision officer, including court, the office, or residence. Travel outside of the county is not
allowed during Phase II without the Court’s permission. Unscheduled home visits or employment
check-ups may be conducted at any time, as well as random on-the-spot substance testing.
Court Requirements: The participant must attend the Veterans Court docket every other docket.
The participant must maintain compliance with court orders to include mandatory urinalysis and
other treatment options.
Drug Testing and Minimum Sobriety Requirements: The participant will submit to urinalysis
and/or breath-analysis tests at the community lab whenever the assigned color is called, as well as
“on-demand” as requested by the judge, the prosecutor or any VTC team member.
Fee Requirements: The participant should be making regular payments towards all fees as
required.
PHASE III: Community Transition & Graduation – 3 month requirement (minimum)
Generally. This phase is designed to transition the participant to full independence. Often times a
participant will be unsupervised by the Court during this phase although mentors and other VTC
Team members may still require contact. This phase aims to provide the participant with a sense of
accomplishment and enjoy the benefits he or she has recouped while in the VTC Program. This
phase culminates in a graduation.
Treatment Requirements: The participant must complete all required treatment (individual and
group counseling sessions) in accordance with the recommended level of care and the mentor must
provide proof of this. Additional sessions may be required by the treatment. Treatment related
milestones must be met and nearing completion or sustainment.
Supervision Requirements: The participant is required to meet with the assigned supervision
officer four times per month, at times and locations determined by the mentor. Travel outside of the
county and/or state is allowed with prior approval from the supervision officer or the judge, and the
participant should not change residences without first advising supervision. Unscheduled home
visits or employment check-ups may be conducted at any time, as well as random drug testing.
Court Requirements: The participant will no longer be required to attend Veterans Treatment
Court dockets for this final phase. This phase will not be entered unless the participant has
demonstrated at least twelve weeks of sobriety.
Drug Testing and Minimum Sobriety Requirements: The participant will submit to urinalysis
“on-demand” as requested by any team member. The participant must have at least twelve weeks
sobriety and negative drug screens in order to graduate from VTC.
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Fee Requirements: The participant should be making regular payments towards all fees as
described previously in Fee Requirements, if applicable.
Graduation Requirements: The participant shall have completed all requirements by the Court in
satisfaction of the VTC Judge. All costs, fees and restitution must be paid or scheduled to be paid
in satisfaction of the Court.
Graduation Ceremony: Like any graduation ceremony, VTC participants that successfully
graduate the VTC Program will be recognized individually at a regularly scheduled VTC docket. It
is recommended that some formality of graduation be conducted by the Judge. For instance, cake,
graduation certificate, VTC Challenge Coin, etc. are all examples of how to celebrate this
accomplishment. Finally, it is recommended that the district attorney dismiss the case in open
court, ordered by the judge and that a letter from the prosecutor be presented to the veteran graduate
that explains to any future employers the completion of Veterans Treatment Court and dismissal
(with prejudice).
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V. ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE, ADMISSION, PLEAS & DISCHARGE
Generally. The Admissions Committee, Admission, pleas and discharge are all interconnected.
The Committee will recommend admission and then a plea is partially taken by the Court. A
participant either succeeds and graduates or fails and is withdrawn.
Admission Committee Mission & Membership. The VTC shall have an Admissions Committee
made up of three to five members of the community and appointed by the VTC Judge. At least one
member of the Admissions Committee shall be a representative of a prosecution’s office, normally
an Assistant District Attorney/State’s Attorney. The remaining members of the community should
represent the veterans’ community and veterans concerns. It is suggested that a Mental Health or
Addiction Specialist be a member of the Admissions Committee. Should an Admissions
Committee member be required to review certain materials that are confidential to the participant
then that member shall complete the necessary forms designed for such disclosures. They must also
seek approval from the respective Administrative Office of Courts.
Procedure. Referrals to the Veterans Treatment Court Program are made by judges, the VA,
treatment providers, attorneys, supervision officers, the Public Defender’s office, or other Veterans
Treatment Court staff, to the office of the District Attorney (DA). Every applicant must complete
the formalized VTC application (See Appendix I), submit to any further inquiries by the Admission
Committee/judge and provide all documentation as required by the court. Initially the District
Attorney, upon request by the defendant, preliminarily approves a defendant to apply for VTC. The
defendant retrieves the application from the VTC judge, fully completes the application and it is
submitted to the Admissions Committee for review. The Admissions Committee is entitled to
extend their inquiry about a given defendant/applicant and solicit information from defendant’s
counsel or from the defendant himself, to include an interview with the defendant. After all
information is gathered by the Admissions Committee then the Committee votes on a
recommendation to the judge regarding admission. The recommendation for or against admission
is forwarded to the VTC judge who is the final arbiter on admission, regardless of recommendation.
If an applicant is denied entry then they are prosecuted in the normal course. If an applicant is
admitted then they are set on a docket for plea and entry into the program.
Application & Admission. A qualified veteran-defendant must make formal application, normally
through counsel, to the Veterans Court (See Appendix I). This application requires each applicant
to provide detailed information of the applicant’s military service (to include a copy of the
applicant’s DD-214), details of any physical or mental ailments and an admission of the events that
led to the charged offenses before the Court that are to be diverted. Furthermore, the applicant must
give full permission for the Court and the VTC Team to review all medical and/or mental health
documents, diagnoses or any other HIPAA related document as it pertains to that applicant. The
applicant also is counseled to understand that all appearances, and relevant discussions regarding
the veteran-participant’s care/treatment/participation, will ALL be in open court normally before all
other VTC participants and/or applicants. Finally, all contact information must be provided to the
Court so that any necessary member of the team may contact and/or visit the veteran-participant at
any time for any purpose.
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The application process orients the applicant with the VTC and the inevitable structure and
requirements of the program. The application also informs every participant of a wide-range of
sanctions, to include a conclusion of Contempt and incarceration, for failure to follow the terms of
the Veterans Court program. This includes failure to pass a drug and alcohol test as required by the
Court at any time. If an applicant is admitted and accepted into the VTC Program then that
defendant will need to proceed with a diversionary court plea or what is commonly known as a
“Veterans Court Plea”. This plea allows the prosecution some assurances while allowing the
defendant to have their case(s) diverted through the VTC.
It is of great benefit to the Court, counsel and all participants that the VTC Application be as
comprehensive as possible. It is also suggested that the VTC maintain a website, or asks that a
local veteran service provider maintain a link on their website or a separate site altogether, that
contains information about the particular VTC, the VTC application, mentor application, offers
links to veteran service provider partners and gives as much information as possible about the roles
and responsibilities regarding every aspect of VTC. Not only will this increase the amount of
veterans reached by a given VTC but it will also “advertise” the availability of this diversionary
option to veterans, defense counsel and the local criminal justice bar as a whole. The application
should include, but is not limited to, the following:
Things EVERY VTC Participant Should Know:
 Program History
and Purpose
 Eligibility &
Admission
 Withdrawal
 Failure to Appear
 Termination
 Phases
 Approved over-thecounter medication
 Treatment
 Drug/Alcohol
Screening Protocols
 Community Support
Meetings
Requirements
 Prescription
medication
restrictions
 Supervision
Requirements
 Progress Reporting
 Incentives and
Sanctions
 Educational and
employment
programs
 Social services and
community
resources
 Volunteer service
requirements
 Participant Rules
and Expectations
 Confidentiality
 Program Fees
 Performance and
Responsibility
contracts
 VTC Program
Extension Possibility
 Graduation
Requirements
 Contacts
Veterans Court Pleas. Entry into Veterans Court requires a plea and plea agreement. However,
the actual plea process differs from a plea in the ordinary course in that a diversionary court plea or
“Veterans Court Plea” is administered by the Court. Eligible adult veteran offenders will be offered
a choice between Veterans Treatment Court and the traditional court system. The offender is given
the opportunity to discuss the case with an attorney prior to voluntarily entering the program. Once
the applicant has been approved for admission by the District Attorney the opportunity is given to
the VTC participant to review all documents and paperwork required for plea, including the
consequences of the plea, with an attorney. Assuming entry, the applicant then pleads guilty before
the court to the charged offense as indicated in the plea agreement. However, the adjudication of
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the sentence is withheld and the applicant is NOT sentenced (a matter is not final until a defendant
is sentenced…not just having pleas accepted). The applicant then enters Phase I of the VTC.
Program Discharge. There are three ways in which a defendant-participant may be discharged
from the VTC Program. A participant may graduate, be terminated voluntarily or be terminated
involuntarily by the Court. The respective situations for each are as follows:
1. Graduation: Participants are required to complete all Phases of the VTC in order to
graduate from VTC. All minimum competencies are to be met in order to be eligible to
successfully complete the program and graduate. Each phase and respective requirements
are discussed in detail in the orientation phase and application phase, as well as at each
docket of the VTC. The participant must maintain compliance with all court orders and be
free of sanctions for a minimum of 12 weeks prior to graduation. The participant must have
a minimum of 90 days of sobriety in order to be eligible to graduate, as evidenced by
negative drug and/or alcohol testing. All fees, if any, must be paid prior to graduation or be
scheduled for payment prior to graduation. Each participant must complete a “Participant
Graduation Questionnaire” (See Appendix III) prior to graduation. Upon meeting all
requirements for graduation, the participant and his or her family will be invited to a
graduation ceremony in which the Judge will recognize each participant-graduate for
completing the VTC. The graduate-participant’s case is then dismissed (with prejudice) by
the prosecutor.
2.
Voluntary Withdrawal: The Veterans Treatment Court Program is voluntary and
participants may voluntarily withdraw at any time. The VTC Program is onerous but
normally in the best interests of a given defendant. Some participants are unable to comply
with all of the VTC requirements and often times recognize their inability to stay in
compliance before they are actually sanctioned by the Court. Should a participant
withdrawal from the VTC Program then that participant shall be sentenced pursuant to the
terms of the plea agreement that was signed prior to the plea by defendant. Participantdefendants shall not be permitted to withdraw their pleas of guilty unless the Constitution
requires such a withdrawal. Sentencing finally adjudicates the matter and the participant is
withdrawn from the VTC.
3. Involuntary Withdrawal: Participants may be involuntarily discharged from the program
for non-compliance with participant’s assessment and treatment OR if a participant incurs
additional criminal charges while participating in VTC. The District Attorney’s office files
a motion in order for revocation proceedings to begin. It is also possible that the VTC Judge
sua sponte involuntarily withdraw a participant from the VTC in the Judge’s discretion and
in the best interests of the overall VTC Program. The attorney for the participant will
provide representation in any revocation proceedings but a participant may be revoked in
absentia. A judge will make the final decision regarding termination. In case of revocation
from VTC, the original sentence agreed upon at time of plea will be imposed. Sentencing
finally adjudicates the matter. Both the defendant and her counsel must be present at
sentencing.
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VI. COURT STATUS REVIEW, INCENTIVES & SANCTIONS
It is incumbent upon each VTC to review each participant’s progress prior to each VTC docket.
The Court should maintain a log of incentives and goals for each participant so that such can be
tracked, developed and acknowledged appropriately upon success or failure. Veterans Treatment
Court reviews are held on a regular basis to establish and reinforce the program polices, to ensure
that participant needs are met, and to provide adequate supervision for all program participants and
allow for interaction with the VTC judge.
Each “phase” of the VTC shall come with an increase in required goals and responsibilities for each
participant. These phases are designed to increase the confidence and independence of each
participant while offering a holistic approach to each particular veterans personal situation.
Participants shall meet with their mentors prior to every docket to discuss progress and direction
toward assigned or stated goals. Prior to the court docket, the veteran-participant shall also meet
with his or her assigned service officer and any appropriate resource liaisons to establish the
clearest route toward reaching the participant’s treatment, education and/or employment goals. The
Court Status Review may also include incentives, if possible, to encourage all participants to excel
in the VTC Program. Conversely, if a Court Status Review results in the realization that a
participant has failed to meet the individual standards set by the VTC then the court shall offer
incentives by way of sanction.
The Court Status Review allows the judge to offer a wide range of additional treatment options to a
given participant. The Judge should officially impose recommended sanctions and/or award
incentives in the presence of all other VTC participants in order to allow those participants to
understand the benefits of successful behavior and the sanction of failures. Phase promotions
should also be addressed at this time. Participants are often asked to speak about their successes, as
well as challenges, in an effort to offer hope and encouragement to others in the program.
Graduation ceremonies, which are the ultimate Court Status Review decision, should be held in the
presence of all mentors and participants to illustrate the achievements of all involved.
Incentives & Sanctions. The program model identifies the implementation of incentives and
sanctions as a means of behavioral modification. Incentives are awarded to participants for
exhibiting desired behaviors, commendable acts, phase promotions, or any other behavior the team
wants to encourage. Sanctions are implemented to reinforce compliance with VTC rules. The
Court will individualize the implementation of sanctions and incentives as needed in order to create
the most therapeutic environment possible. The VTC team will evaluate each participant’s history,
phase in the program, and his/her progress prior to recommending an incentive or sanction. In the
case where it is determined that a participant requires additional or alternative treatment the team
may recommend treatment in lieu of a sanction.
Incentives. The Court may offer incentives for successes by any participant at any time. Normally
incentives will be afoot in the early phases simply because the participant needs to experience
smaller doses of success to get on positive footing with themselves and with the community. The
greatest incentive is graduation from the VTC Program and diversion of the participant’s criminal
prosecution which is a fact that should not be lost on the Court of the participant.
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Typical incentives might be as follows:








Phase Promotion;
Fee waiver for urinalysis;
Movie Tickets or Event Passes;
VTC Attendance Pass;
Out of State privileges;
VTC Challenge Coins;
Graduation Plaques;
Greater Freedoms on Previous Restrictions.
Again, all incentives shall be discussed in open court so that all participants can see the benefits of
successful participation in the VTC Program.
Sanctions. The Court may impose sanctions for failures by any participant at any time. Normally
sanctions will used sparingly and every effort should be undertaken by the Court and the VTC team
to avoid sanctions, especially in the early stages of the program. The VTC Program necessarily
understands that many of the participants in the VTC Program have mental health or addiction
issues. Many times it was those issues that led the participant to commit the criminal activity for
which they were charged. The greatest sanction is termination or involuntary withdrawal from the
VTC Program and sentencing the FORMER participant as described in the plea agreement. This
measure is very serious and has long-term consequences for every defendant.
Typical sanctions might be as follows:






Delay in Phase Promotion;
Fees for urinalysis;
Further Restrictions on Travel;
Increased Supervision;
Retraction of Privileges and Freedoms;
Criminal Contempt and incarceration.
Again, all sanctions should be discussed in open court so that all participants can understand the
pitfalls of unsuccessful participation in the VTC Program. It also serves to remind all participants
that their respective charges are being diverted from criminal prosecution.
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VII. VETERANS TREATMENT COURT MENTORS
Mentors will work to ensure that every participating veteran in the Veterans Treatment Court
Program is linked with a fellow veteran who acts as a volunteer mentor, advocate, and ally to help
the participants successfully readjust to civilian life, as further explained in the Mentors Handbook
(See Appendix II). Mentors should be veterans and it is suggested that a particular mentor be from
the same branch of service as a VTC participant. Mentors act as coach, guide, role model, advocate,
and support for the veteran participants. Mentors encourage, guide, and support each participant
through the court process. This includes listening to the concerns of each veteran participant and
making general suggestions, assisting with determining needs, and acting as a support.
Some of the roles, responsibilities and requirements of Mentors are as follows:
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
Meet or communicate once weekly with veteran participant;
Offer support and understanding regarding the difficulties the veteran is facing;
Assist the veteran in resolving resource needs;
Maintain a supportive and helpful attitude towards other mentors;
Have a genuine concern for veterans;
Maintain good standing with the law;
Be a veteran of one of the branches of the US Armed Forces, including the Army, Marine
Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or their corresponding Reserve and Guard branches;
Adhere to all of the Veterans Treatment Court policies and procedures;
Commit to a minimum of one year participation, or until the assigned veteran graduates;
Complete the required initial training as specified by the VTC prior to participation;
Attend any additional trainings as required;
Do not engage in any drug use, alcohol use, sexual activities or any other unlawful activities
with the veteran participant;
Notify the Mentor Coordinator if the veteran participant becomes suicidal, homicidal, or
engages in unlawful activities;
Active listener;
Empathetic;
Encouraging and supportive;
Positive military service;
Tolerant and respectful of individual differences;
Knowledge of community resources and services;
Recruiting Mentors. The VTC Judge is ultimately responsible for all Mentors. The VTC Mentor
and Resource Coordinator assumes the majority of the responsibility for recruiting Mentors. The
team, its collaborative partners, and current mentors are strongly encouraged to refer highly
respectable and reputable veterans to the Veterans Treatment Court Mentor Program. Additionally,
team members and mentors are strongly encouraged to attend and host informational sessions and
training for prospective mentors.
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Inquiry: All inquiries about participating as a Mentor will be directed to the Mentor and
Resource Coordinator, who will respond to any prospective mentor inquiries within one week.
Eligibility: Each Mentor must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the “Mentor
Requirements” section. Extenuating circumstances may be reviewed at the discretion of the VTC
Mentor and Resource Coordinator. (See Appendix II).
Knowledge of a Prospective Mentor’s Negative History: Current Mentors with knowledge
of any prospective mentor’s history or background that may jeopardize the integrity of the program,
the VTC, or the participants, must communicate this knowledge and/or concerns to the Mentor and
Resource Coordinator, the Program Director, or the Judge.
Application & Screening: Each prospective Mentor must formally apply to the VTC to
become a mentor. They must also complete a screening process. The decision to accept or deny an
applicant will be made by the Judge. Feedback regarding the prospective mentor’s denial may or
may not be given. The right to withhold or give feedback is solely at the discretion of the Judge.
(See Appendix II).
The screening process includes the completion and review of the following:
★ Volunteer Mentor Application and Agreement Form;
★ Personal interview;
★ Background check;
★ Approval by the jurisdiction’s relevant office of courts or similar department;
★ Approval by relevant federal department enabling Mentor review and access to VTC
participant service history, mental health history and criminal justice system background.
Training: All prospective mentors must complete the required initial training in order to be
eligible to begin mentoring. Training will include, but is not limited to:
★ Observation of several court sessions;
★ Full acceptance by all relevant agencies;
★ Discussion of the experience of court observations;
★ Meeting with senior mentors in order to establish the best report possible with participants.
Unacceptable Behavior: Unacceptable behaviors will not be tolerated while a Mentor is
participating in the program. Because of the direct impact a mentor has on a veteran participant,
behaviors that are not aligned with the mission, vision, goals, and values of Veterans Treatment
Court are unacceptable and prohibited. All members of the VTC Program Team are ambassadors to
the Veterans Treatment Court and shall always strive to conduct themselves with the integrity
expected from the Court.
Recognition and Awards: All mentors will be recognized for their role in the Veterans
Treatment Court Program. The VTC Mentor and Resource Coordinator is responsible for planning
and implementing recognition activities at least once per year. It is suggested that statewide, or
even Regional, networks of Veterans Treatment Courts be established so that recognition of team
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members may inspire others. It is also suggested to develop VTC Networks so that Courts and
team members can share successes and pitfall of the VTC Program.
VIII. COMMUNITY VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS LIAISONS
Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and
services provided by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are
legislated in Title 38 of the United States Code. Veterans may also be eligible for specific
programs and or benefits through the resident state of a VTC participant. Many veterans may be
unaware of their eligibility for VA programs and services. The claim system is complicated and
veterans often require additional expertise in navigating, filing, and/or appealing a claim. The VTC
Program will strive to assure that all participants are aware of and linked with the benefits for which
they are eligible.
Employee representative liaisons or “service officers” of Community Veterans Organizations who
volunteer to be readily available to all VTC participants are key members of the VTC Team. They
provide the valuable linkage and education necessary for veterans to file timely and complete
claims. They will also provide updated information on federal benefits available to veterans as
changes occur on the national and/or state level.
Role of Community Veterans Organizations in Veterans Treatment Court
★ Provide initial orientation for veterans immediately after plea into Veterans Treatment
Court;
★ Provide ongoing education of veterans on federal and/or state benefits for veterans and
dependents, including, but not limited to health, education and disability compensation,
benefits, and pension;
★ Act as a liaison between the veteran and the Veteran Benefit Administration (VBA) and the
Veteran Health Administration (VHA);
★ Advocate on behalf of the veteran with the VBA and the VHA regarding the veteran’s
benefits, disability compensation, and/or pension;
★ Assist veteran with completing initial claims, current claims and/or appeals of denied
claims;
★ Provide educational and vocational assistance to veteran participants, to include GI Bill
screening, job training, scholarship eligibility identification and community veteran
employment development;
★ Coordinate with other relevant Community Veterans Organizations (CVO) to provide each
veteran a holistic approach to veterans’ services.
Duties and Responsibilities of Community Veterans Organizations
★ Ensure attendance by a CVO service officer at all court sessions when scheduled.
★ Participate and lead training sessions within the Veterans Treatment Court as needed.
★ Attend an initial orientation regarding Veterans Treatment Court and courtroom protocol.
★ Collaborate closely with the VBA and the VHA representatives assigned to the Veterans
Treatment Court.
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★ Directly assist the veterans with filing claims, questions about current claims and/or denied
claims. Assist the veterans with the appeal process for denied claims.
★ Advocate on behalf of the veteran interfacing in a professional manner with the VBA and
VHA either in court or outside of court as needed.
★ Be supportive and helpful to veterans in the Veterans Treatment Court.
★ Coordinate with all other relevant local, statewide and national veterans charities to provide
or enhance veterans services.
★ Adhere to all of the Veterans Treatment Court Program’s policies and procedures.
★ Commit to participation for a minimum of six (6) months.
★ Complete the required initial training as specified by the Court prior to participation in
Veterans Treatment Court.
★ Participate in any additional training as required by the Court.
The Community Veterans Organization liaison or service officer should be the Veterans Treatment
Court’s recognized expert at navigating the bureaucratic nuisances of the various veterans’ agencies
and government entities. Therefore, this liaison is critical to the success of any VTC.
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IX. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION LIAISONS
Many veterans who enter the program are unaware of their eligibility in VA programs and services.
The claim system is complicated and veterans often require additional expertise with
filing/appealing claims while receiving guidance and support by peer veteran representatives of
various veteran agencies. Upon identification of veteran status via the military discharge form DD214, VTC participants are referred to and assisted by the appropriate VA Liaison. If possible, the
VA Liaison should attend weekly Veterans Treatment Court staffing and court sessions. In addition
to the participant, it may be necessary for the various VA liaisons to liaise with the participant’s
local Community Veterans Organization Liaison, a mentor, the Court or other member of the VTC
Team.
Veterans Health Administration (VA) Liaison: The Veterans Health Administration
representative serves as liaison between the veteran participant and the respective VA in or near the
respective VTC jurisdiction. The Veterans Health Administration Representative enrolls eligible
veterans in the VA healthcare system, notifies the Court and team of the status of the veteran’s
treatment, and attends Veterans Treatment Court staff meetings and court dockets when possible.
Veteran’s Benefit Administration (VBA) Liaison: This liaison checks the eligibility and status
of the veteran for educational benefits, disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and other
services. The VBA Liaison works in court with the participant and his/her veteran service officer.
The VBA distributes disability compensation to those veterans who have been injured while on
active military duty, or who were made worse by active military duty in the US Armed Forces. In
order to receive disability compensation a veteran must have received an Honorable Discharge,
General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions, or a Medical Discharge.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services are also administered by the VBA. This
program is chartered by Congress to assist disabled veterans in preparing for, finding and keeping a
job, and includes an evaluation to determine individual abilities and skills. Additionally, counseling
is provided for employment, resume development, assistance in seeking employment, and job
training apprenticeships. All costs of this training are normally paid and the veteran is given living
expenses. The veteran must have received a disability rating of 10 percent or higher and an
Honorable Discharge, Medical Discharge, or General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions.
State Veterans Agencies: These state agencies serve to enroll veterans in disability
pension/compensation and other state benefits for which the veteran is eligible and qualified. These
agencies also serve as liaison between the veteran participants and the Veterans Health
Administration and Veterans Benefit Administration. They also serve as liaison between the
veteran, employment agencies, U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Benefits Administration, and
Veterans Health Administration. Many of these agencies offer services for not only VTC
participants but also their family members.
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X. PARTICIPANT ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT
Clinical assessments evaluate the history and severity of eligible applicants’ substance use, mental
health, trauma, and other bio-psycho-social dimensions relevant to treatment needs and amenability.
Assessment is completed upon acceptance into the program. Mental health and/or addiction
specialists shall complete an assessment of each participant and direct each participant for
treatment. If intensive treatment is required then the specialist shall request an order from the Court
(e.g., entry into inpatient drug treatment facility may require an order from the court).
Veteran participants are also initially screened for VA benefits and screened for presence of mental
health and co-occurring trauma and/or substance use disorders. Those participants with VA
benefits are linked with the VA for further evaluation and treatment services. Participants who are
not eligible for VA benefits are linked with the community treatment provider for evaluation and
treatment services.
Treatment Services. The Veterans Treatment Court Program connects participants to relevant
treatment and support services that are best or promising practices, recovery-based, individualized,
co-occurring capable, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed for veterans. A holistic approach to
treatment is always preferred when possible. Treatment services are provided according to level of
care criteria and other needs identified from the most recent assessment and include, but are not
limited to: treatment planning, discharge planning, individual therapy, group counseling and
education, case management services, and other services for which the participant is eligible. It is
recommended that all VTCs utilize evidence-based practices for veterans as identified by the VTC
Court, trusted veterans service providers or Veterans Administration.
The mentor, service officers, treatment specialists and the court will all facilitate the coordination
with the relevant treatment providers so that they can work with each participant to create an
individualized treatment plan to address problems or circumstances identified from the assessment.
The overall goal is to address substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as other objectives
related to reintegration, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, physical injuries and peer and
family relationships. The plan may be reviewed and modified with input from the Veterans
Treatment Court team as the veteran progresses through the program. Progress or barriers to
participants’ treatment goals are shared as needed with the relevant VTC Team members. If at any
time a participant is assessed as needing a higher level of care, such as inpatient or residential
treatment, the current provider shall immediately initiate placement by screening the participant for
admission at multiple facilities. The regularly assigned treatment provider is responsible for
maintaining ongoing communication with the participant’s inpatient/residential provider during
their stay, and will make progress reports to the Veterans Treatment Court which are submitted the
week of the participant’s regularly scheduled court appearance, which is dependent on their current
phase in the program.
Program Application & Orientation. The Veterans Treatment Court Program is a voluntary
program in which applicants are well informed of the details and possible consequences regarding
the choice to accept or decline participation through an informed application and orientation
process. Every applicant to VTC must sign the application in multiple areas of understanding and it
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is properly assumed that each applicant accepted to the VTC has a full understanding of the terms,
conditions and responsibilities of the VTC. A copy of each applicant’s application shall be
maintained by the VTC and provided to the prosecution, the Admissions Committee and, if the
applicant is accepted to the VTC Program, the assigned mentors, specialists and service officers.
XI. CASE MANAGEMENT OFFICER & PROGRAM SPECIALISTS
The good will of others will only take a VTC participant so far before that participant will benefit
from the continue assessment by a specialist. Each respective VTC should employ or otherwise
retain a mental health specialist and an addiction specialist to provide structured supervision. This
structure will help ensure participant accountability throughout the Veterans Treatment Court
Program. It is suggested that a specialist be a member of the VTC Admissions Committee.
Case Management Officer. The Case Management Officer (“CMO”) is directly responsible to the
Veterans Treatment Court for the constant assessment of each VTC participant. Prior to plea into
Veterans Treatment Court, each participant will meet with their attorney to review and sign the
Rules and Conditions of Supervision, which explains all of the conditions of the VTC Program.
The assigned CMO will further discuss the rules and conditions of supervision in Veterans
Treatment Court, including, but not limited to:
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
Curfew guidelines;
Employment and education verification;
Law enforcement contact;
Home visits;
Change of address procedures;
Support meetings verification;
Supervision fees;
Approved medications and forms;
Court guidelines.
The CMO makes a minimum of two contacts with each VTC participant per month, and submits
weekly progress reports to the VTC Judge regarding participant compliance with program
requirements. The supervision officer may make random, unannounced home or field visits to
observe the home environment and/or to verify employment. These supervision contacts may occur
within the supervision agency office, at court, at the participant’s home, or at the participant’s place
of employment, in order to accurately monitor their activities and to be minimally intrusive to the
participant and his/her family. Drug testing may be conducted randomly during home visits, at
court, or at scheduled office visits.
Program Specialists. It is incumbent upon each VTC to employ or retain, in some capacity,
mental health or addiction specialists (“Program Specialists”). These treatment specialists can
advise the court and the participant on the best approaches to mental health and/or addiction
treatment for a given participant. The ultimate success with any diverted prosecution is that the
chronic issues associated with the diverted defendant are significantly diminished or eliminated
entirely from the participant’s personal lexicon. Criminal recidivism by Veterans Treatment Court
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participants will not only serve to undermine the efficacy of the court but the spread of VTCs as a
whole.
XII. MISCELLANEOUS
There are many aspects of every diversionary court that will need to be adapted to the particular
jurisdiction or judicial circuit in which the VTC is formed. Therefore, various considerations
should be given to the local and state laws that may impact the establishment of a VTC, the funding
of the VTC and the long-term viability of this diversionary method.
Data Reporting & Evaluation. The Veterans Treatment Court participates in data reporting and
outcomes evaluation processes and consistently strives to improve program efficiency and
effectiveness through a performance improvement or “metrics” component. This component will
have the dual benefit of increasing the effectiveness of the VTC and also allow for the gathering of
metrics that could spawn the spread of VTCs in other jurisdictions and create funding sources from
within the jurisdiction.
Data should be collected for each participant. Information should be developed by the VTC such
that an analysis of the efficacy of the VTC Program for a given participant is obvious. As trends in
the effectiveness of the VTC develop so too will the opportunity to harness those trends into hard
data that can be explained to government officials, other jurisdictions, government agencies and
charitable funding sources. A VTC should annually evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the
VTC Program, identify training needs, identify program efficiency and effectiveness measures and
review or update ALL VTC policies and procedures.
The Veterans Treatment Court participant files should contain the following information:
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
Participant contact information;
Plea agreement and date of plea;
Current VTC phase;
Graduation/Revocation date, as applicable;
Treatment provider, including any residential/inpatient treatment, and diagnosis;
Current case number;
Current level of care;
Upon completion or termination of the program, copies of court documents related to final
disposition;
Assessment reports;
Consents for release of confidential information;
Requests to travel, as ordered by the Court;
Documentation signed by participant, at time of sanctioning, identifying violation and
requirements of completing sanction, including date sanction is to be completed;
Substance testing records, which contain substances tested for, method of testing, results,
signature of person administering test, and participant signature and date.
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Again, all participants’ files are confidential but the efficacy of the VTC can be used in terms of
“numbers” and raw data without disclosing private information.
Funding Sources. Most qualified veterans charities do NOT distribute funds to government
agencies or entities. This would most certainly include any Veterans Treatment Court. However,
developing relationships with Community Veterans Organizations can result in funding sources
from inside the community. It also may present the CVO grant opportunities with larger veteran
charities (e.g., Wounded Warrior Project, The Woodruff Foundation, etc.) that would support
certain efforts. Many of the costs associated with Veterans Courts are covered by the natural course
of the criminal prosecution. The judge, the prosecutor and often the defense counsel are already
paid for by the particular jurisdiction. Most of the participants on the VTC Team are volunteers so
there is relatively no cost to the VTC for their services. The various liaisons are similarly situated.
Most of the costs associated with the VTC involve housing, treatment, urinalyses, clinical
assessments and various counseling services. Those costs can be covered by a local, statewide or
national charitable organization if planned properly.
Confidentiality. The Veterans Treatment Court team must have the ability to communicate with
regard to exchange of participant protected health information (typically referred to as “HIPAA
Information) in order to provide services consistent with the program model. Therefore, the VTC
Team must utilize Participant Consent Forms (See Appendix II) in all cases. All confidentiality
practices must be in compliance with federal and state law, guidelines and standards. Each consent
form for release of participant protected health information must be consistent with all applicable
federal and state law, guidelines, and standards, and may include the following information:
★ A communicable disease statement;
★ The specific name or general designation of the agency or person permitted to make the
disclosure;
★ The name of the individual, or name of the agency to which the disclosure is to be made;
★ The name of the participant whose records are to be released;
★ A description of the information to be disclosed;
★ The dated signature of the participant or authorized representative (or both when required);
★ A statement of the right of the participant to revoke the release in writing and a description
of how to do so;
★ An expiration date, event, or condition which , if not revoked before, shall ensure the release
will last no longer than reasonably necessary to serve the purpose for which it is given;
★ If the release is signed by a person authorized to act for a participant, a description of the
authority of such person to act.
VTC participants are advised, upon orientation, of certain circumstances that may require release of
certain information without a prior written release. All incoming employees, including program
interns and/or volunteers, receive an orientation training session regarding client confidentiality
guidelines and agree to adhere to this policy and related procedures at all times.
Substance Testing and Monitoring. Substance testing and monitoring are mandatory
requirements of the Veterans Treatment Court Program and are utilized as tools to support
participant recovery and engagement in treatment. Testing is the means by which the program
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objectively establishes a framework for participant accountability and helps to gauge individual
progress in recovery. Drug and alcohol testing must comply with all applicable state and federal
laws. All VTC participants are tested for illicit as well as prescription drugs during all three phases
of the program.
“Color Code” Protocols. Most jurisdictions should be familiar with the Color Code Urinalysis
System which assigns VTC participants a color. VTC participants are then instructed to a call a
designated number each day and to be tested when that recording indicates that color for testing.
Failure to test for any reason should be treated as a negative drug/alcohol screen and sanctions may
follow. Participants will be full instructed as to where they are to conduct their urine tests.
Veterans may be assigned to drug test at either the community laboratory or Court Services.
The following conditions and protocols should also apply to any VTC urine test, whether directed
by the Court or by Color Code directives:
★ The collection of the urine specimen will be directly observed using a same-sex staff person,
who will continuously monitor the participant from a frontal or side view. Women are
collected using a “hands free” procedure.
★ All urine samples are tested for a variety of drugs, as well as analyzed for temperature,
specific gravity, creatinine, and other chemical markers, in order to ensure a valid urine
specimen.
★ All urine tests will be reported to the VTC Judge.
★ In the event a sample is determined to be positive for an illicit drug, unapproved prescription
or over-the-counter substance, this will be reported to the Court and the appropriate VTC
Team members.
★ If the participant alleges inability to produce a specimen, the participant may be given up to
eight ounces of water. If the offender fails to produce a specimen or if the sample is not of
sufficient quantity to test, this will be reported to the Court and treated as a positive
drug/alcohol screen.
★ Specimens are immediately tested and, if necessary, re-tested or mailed to the contract
laboratory. Urine specimens not immediately tested or re-tested will be stored according to
testing product manufacturer’s recommendation.
★ In the case where a participant disputes the fact that a positive test is valid, he/she may pay
the associated costs for a confirmation re-test. If the re-test results are indeed positive, an
additional sanction of five days in jail may be imposed for dishonesty to the Court.
★ Diluted samples could be treated as positive screens.
★ If a participant refuses to submit a urine sample it will be reported as a refusal to test, and
this will be reported to the Court, the treatment agency, and supervision.
★ If a participant is late or misses a test it will be considered a positive test, and will be
reported to the Court, the treatment agency, and supervision as such.
★ The Veterans Treatment Court team will review a positive test in the context of the
participant’s overall performance in the program when considering the response. Frequent
and ongoing positive or abnormal tests may result in increased or alternative treatment.
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★ The test results of all positive specimens are documented and placed in the veteran’s court
file.
★ The Veterans Treatment Court team maintains access to all drug testing results, including
any failures to test. Treatment providers, supervision officers, and coordinators have
immediate access to the results.
★ All program participants will be advised that drug testing may also be conducted randomly
during home visits, court appearances, and office visits and may be requested by any
member of the Treatment Team.
Alcohol Monitoring Devices. There are many devices that can screen for a participant’s use of
alcohol. It is common among veterans to self-medicate, especially with alcohol, so it may become
necessary for a VTC to take certain precautionary measures with various, specific participants.
Some examples of alcohol screening methods, in addition to a urinalysis, are as follows:
SCRAM: A Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) may be ordered for
participants with a history of alcohol abuse and/or with current positive urine alcohol testing
results. The SCRAM is an ankle-worn device that detects ingested alcohol via insensible
perspiration. The cost of this device, to include monitoring, should be paid for by the
participant user.
Sobrietor: A sobrietor may be ordered for participants with a history of alcohol abuse
and/or with current positive urine alcohol testing results. The Sobrietor is a hand-held,
remote alcohol monitoring device that detects the presence of alcohol through an
individual’s deep lung breath sample. Monitoring is performed remotely using a telephone
connection so that compliance with alcohol restrictions can be verified daily. When it is
time for a test, it emits a loud beep and begins the testing process using audible commands
to prompt the client to respond with voice verification. The participant is then instructed to
take a deep breath and exhale into the breath tube, at which point it detects the breath
alcohol content of the deep lung sample. Test results are then reported to the host
monitoring computer at the supervising agency, Court or Case Management Officer’s office.
If results are outside of specified parameters the appropriate VTC Team members are
notified.
TAD: A GPS device, such as the Transdermal Alcohol Monitoring Device (TAD), may be
ordered for participants with a history of alcohol abuse and/or with current positive urine
alcohol testing results. The TAD provides both alcohol monitoring and curfew monitoring
with one piece of equipment. The TAD is an ankle-worn device that senses alcohol through
the skin. Drinking events are reported to the central monitoring computer via the receiver
which is installed in the client’s home. To detect a potential drinking event, the alcohol
detection module on the back of the device monitors moisture and vapor excreted from the
client’s skin for alcohol. If a client exceeds the .020 transdermal alcohol concentration
threshold, a drinking event will be recorded and transmitted to the central monitoring
computer. TAD is also capable of monitoring the presence or absence of a client in the
home. If a violation is detected, an alert is generated and the supervising agency or Court is
notified.
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Prescription and Over-the Counter Medications. The participant should request non-narcotic
and non-alcoholic medications only. Any prescription medications must be taken with full
knowledge of the VTC Judge and monitoring by the appropriate VTC Team members. Over-thecounter medications that are approved for participant use should be directed at orientation or upon
discovery of use of OTC drugs. The constant monitoring by the various VTC Team members
should result in this discovery immediately.
Other Sources for Information on Veterans Treatment Courts. There are many excellent
resources for VTCs and veterans legal services. Veterans Treatment Courts require a community
effort so it is important that you contact your local veterans charities or VA liaison to ensure that
every VTC is providing the most holistic approach to care and treatment possible. The criminal
justice system cannot exist in a vacuum which means that not every organization, treatment method,
caregiver counsel or veterans service will be beneficial to a Veterans Treatment Court and/or its
participants. However, many good resources exist and the following are just a few:
★ America’s Warrior Partnership (www.americaswarriorpartnership.org)
★ Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)
★ American Bar Association: Coordinating Committee on Veterans Benefits & Services
(www.americanbar.org/groups/committees/veterans_benefits)
★ Buffalo (NY) Veterans Treatment Court (www.BuffaloVeteransCourt.org)
★ Justice For Vets (www.justiceforvets.org)
This Veterans Treatment Court Handbook will be available on the America’s Warrior Partnership
website indefinitely. It will be continuously updated as necessary. Please contact the AWP
Headquarters should you have any questions.
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APPENDIX I
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Veterans Court
_______________________________________________________
Application and Requirements
________________________________________________________
[Your Judicial Circuit]
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STATE OF
v.
CASE NO.:________________
_________________________,
Defendant
REQUEST BY DEFENDANT TO ENROLL IN THE
VETERANS COURT PROGRAM
Having been charged with the criminal offense(s) of ____________________________
_________________________________________________, and believing that I may qualify to
enroll in the Veterans Court program in lieu of prosecution, I hereby apply for referral of my case(s)
to the Veterans Court program.
I understand that the Veterans Court program is a pretrial diversion program designed to
address potential physical and mental health issues that may have played a part in my becoming
involved in the above-listed conduct. Veterans Court is not a way for me to escape responsibility
for my actions, but instead to address them in an appropriate forum.
Should I be approved for enrollment in the program, I understand that I will be required to
work with the staff at any recommended medical and/or mental health facilities to address various
problems and issues that I may be facing. I also understand that I will be required to appear before
the Judge presiding over the Veterans Court program at regular intervals, and as directed, where
inquiry will be made into my level of participation and progress within the program.
Because physical and mental health issues are wide ranging and complex, I understand that I
may be required to participate in this program for an average of twelve months. I realize that I will
only be successful in this program if the Judge, the Prosecutor, and the staff of the Compliance
panel, and recommended medical and/or mental health facilities agree that I have made sufficient
progress in addressing the issues in my life that can be linked to the events surrounding my
misconduct.
In order to participate in the program, I understand that I will have to make a full disclosure
about my involvement in the crime(s) I have been charged with. I also understand that I will have
to give permission to any medical and/or mental health facilities, including their affiliates, to release
any pertinent information to the Judge, the Prosecutor, and any other agent or official designated by
the Court that may relate to my participation in the program, even if this information would
normally be protected by privacy rules or regulations. I also understand that my appearances before
the Judge will be in open court at a docket designed for other Veterans Court participants and that
general information about my participation, my history, and my treatment may be discussed in that
setting. Of course, every effort will be made to avoid discussion of extremely private,
embarrassing, or sensitive information in that forum.
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I have read and understand the above information and agree with the above cited rules
and policies. I also hereby give permission to the entities involved in the Veterans Court
program, including the Judge, the Prosecutor, the staff of any relevant medical or mental health
facility (to include any relevant associates), any probation officer or other official, and my
attorney to disclose and discuss relevant information about me as it pertains to my participation
in this program. I understand that this information may include otherwise private information
regarding my diagnosis, treatment, criminal history, and the like. I also hereby certify that I
have consent to make application for this Veterans Treatment Court from the appropriate
prosecutor.
_______________________________
Defendant
The Defendant read, acknowledged and signed the above statement in the presence of the
undersigned Defendant’s attorney and/or the prosecutor, this the ______ day of
________________, 20____.
_______________________________
Defendant’s Attorney
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I. Description of Veterans Court Program
This Veterans Court Program is a diversionary program designed specifically for veterans of
the United States Armed Forces who have been charged with criminal offenses. No applicant may
qualify if they have been charged with a Class A felony or any offense that resulted in serious
bodily harm to the victim. Furthermore, no applicant may repeat this program.
The Veterans Court program will typically be an average of at least twelve months in
duration for a given participant. The program will require at least monthly appearances before the
Veterans Court judge coupled with at least monthly meetings with a participant’s counselor and/or
mentor. A participant will likely be required to participate in medical and mental health services,
job training and professional services, academic and/or vocational skill improvement services and
whatever counseling is designated for a participant. Furthermore, any substance abuse counseling
or treatment that is recommended or required must be attended and completed as dictated by the
Court or its referral officers. Finally, the participant will be responsible to pay any court ordered
monies, costs and fees associated with the underlying charges, to include restitution and counseling
services. Failure at any phase, as discussed herein, may result in further sanctions, penalties,
counseling, treatment or dismissal from the program.
1. Program Phase I (Orientation & Treatment): This phase will last normally between 3
and 6 months, depending on the success or struggles of a particular veteran. After of plea of
guilty and a suspension of sentencing by the Court, the veteran in this phase will undergo
intense evaluation, strict and robust guidelines, and endure a very restrictive regimen that
will consist of counseling, appropriate screening and frequent contact with the Court. The
veteran will meet with the Court at least twice a month. Travel outside the State is expressly
prohibited unless approved by the Court.
2. Program Phase II (Recovery, Development & Reintegration): This phase will last
normally between 3 and 4 months, depending on the veteran. The veteran in this phase will
have less structure than in Phase I wherein they will be forced to make more independent
decisions and their own judgment and discipline will undergo a more random evaluation.
Counseling, screening and contact with the court will remain a part of the Veterans program,
but evaluation will likely be less frequent. The veteran will meet with the Court only once a
month. Travel outside the State is expressly prohibited unless approved by the Court.
3. Program Phase III (Community Transition & Graduation): This phase will last
normally between 2 and 4 months depending on the veteran. The veteran in this phase will
have less supervision than the previous phases and may even go unsupervised for periods of
time. All veterans are still subject to random screening and appearances before the Court
upon request or schedule. Counseling must continue as required and such will be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis. The veteran will meet with the Court once a month at the most and
will likely only have contact, if any, with a Veterans Court Mentor periodically. Upon
completion of this Phase a veteran will become a Graduate. Graduation will be at a set time
and date before the Court and ceremony.
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It is important to note that the Court may, in its judgment, demand that a veteran re-enter a previous
Phase if the Court feels that such is necessary to the benefit and treatment of a particular veteran.
Furthermore, the Court may expel a veteran if that veteran is deemed to have continually not met
the rigors of the Veterans Court Program or have shown by their own conduct, in what they have
done or what they have failed to do, that they are no longer viable as a candidate for graduation. A
veteran that has been expelled from the Veterans Court Program will be set for sentencing pursuant
to their pleas in Program Phase I and be sentenced thereafter.
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II. Rules for Enrollment and Participation

I understand that I must fully qualify for the program and that determination will be
made only after I have been ultimately approved for admission by the Court. Such
determination may include a prescreening evaluation by a medical or mental health facility, the
results of which will be made available to the Court.

I understand that all information provided to the Veterans Court regarding my
service in the United States Armed Forces must be accurate, truthful and verifiable.

I understand that admission to the Veterans Court program is within the discretion of
the Court.

I understand that my application must be accompanied by a copy of my DD Form
214 which identifies the circumstances and characterization of discharge from the Armed
Forces. If I am unable to obtain a DD Form 214, or remain on active duty, then I understand
that my application must be accompanied by a sworn affidavit detailing my service in the
Armed Forces to include branch of service, length of service, rank at time of discharge or
current rank, date of discharge (if discharged) and characterization of service (if discharged).

I understand that if I am accepted into the program I must complete all mandates of
the program and that if I fail to do so the Court reserves the right to sentence me in accordance
with my plea(s) or provide to me any sanction, extension or additional treatment that it might
deem appropriate and at my own expense.

I understand that I must abstain from all alcohol or other mood altering chemicals or
other medications unless disclosed to the Court and approved by the Compliance Panel.

I understand that enrolling in the Veterans Court will not absolve me of the
responsibility for my actions and that I will still be financially liable to any victim(s) in my
case(s) and that the Court may order me to pay restitution, if required by the nature of my case,
while I am participating in the program, in addition to any fees or costs associated with any or
all of my charges, to include attorney’s fees.

I understand that I must inform the Court or Compliance Panel within 3 days if I
change residence or employment.

I understand that I must inform the Court or Compliance Panel within 3 days of any
new arrest, including traffic citations.

I or my attorney will be notified of my first appearance at the Veterans Court before
the Veterans Court Judge.
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
I understand that, if I fail to appear to the Veterans Court on the above-listed date
and have not made other appropriate arrangements prior to that date, I will ineligible for
consideration for entry to the Veterans Court program.

I understand that only 2 absences excused or otherwise are allowed. Exceeding 2
absences may result in the imposition of sanctions.

I acknowledge that the contact information provided below is true and accurate and
that it is my responsibility to inform the court of any changes in that information.

I acknowledge that I have read the contents of the Veterans Court application packet
and agree to its terms.

If an emergency arises and I cannot make it to court on the above listed date, I will
make contact with the Court to make other arrangements.
_______________________________
Defendant’s Signature
_______________________
Date
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III. Notice to Patients Pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 2.22
The purpose of, and need for, this disclosure is to inform the court and all other named parties of
my eligibility and/or acceptability for substance abuse treatment services and my treatment
attendance, prognosis, compliance, and progress in accordance with the Veterans Court monitoring
criteria.
I understand that this consent will remain in effect and cannot be revoked by me until there has
been a formal and effective termination of my involvement with the Veterans Court Program for the
above-referenced case(s), such as the discontinuation of all court supervision upon my successful
completion of the Veterans Court Program requirements OR upon my discharge from the program
or the imposition of my sentence following my termination from the Veterans Court Program for
failure to comply with Program requirements. I understand that any disclosure made is bound by
Part 2 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which governs the confidentiality of
substance abuse patient records and that recipients of this information may re-disclose it only in
connection with official duties.
The confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records maintained by this Program is
protected by federal law and regulations. Generally, the program may not say to a person outside
the program that a patient attends the program, or disclose any information identifying a patient as
a drug or alcohol abuser UNLESS:
1.)
2.)
3.)
The patient consents in writing;
The disclosure is allowed by a Court Order; or
The disclosure is made to medical personnel in a medical emergency or to a qualified person
for research, audit or program evaluation.
Violation of federal law and regulations by a program is a crime. Suspected violations may be
reported to appropriate authorities in accordance with federal regulations. Federal laws and
regulations do not protect any information about a crime committed by a patient either at the
program or against any person who works for the program or about any threat to commit such a
crime. Federal laws and regulations do not protect any information about suspected child abuse or
neglect from being reported under state law to appropriate state or local authorities.
I, ____________________________ , have read or had explained to me the Notice to Patients
Pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 2.22 regarding the disclosure of my substance abuse treatment information
and hereby consent to the release of the approved substance abuse treatment information between
the following individuals and/or entities:
_____________________________________
of Applicant Defendant
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IV. Statement of Service in the United States Armed Forces
The following is a statement in the applicant’s own words describing my service as a
member of the United States Armed Forces, including rank, decorations, awards, tours of duty
abroad, duty stations and any preferral or referral of charges against the applicant. If the applicant
is no longer a member of active duty or active reserve duty, then they have attached a copy of their
DD Form 214 which details the circumstances and characterization of discharge from the Armed
Forces. If they are unable to attach my DD Form 214 then the applicant has attached a sworn
affidavit regarding the circumstances and characterization of the applicant’s discharge from the
Armed Forces:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
I certify that the foregoing statement is true.
________________________
Defendant (Print Name)
________________________
Defendant (Signature)
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V. Defendant’s Admission of Guilt
I, ___________________________ (your name), hereby voluntarily and in the presence of my
attorney _______________________ (attorney’s name), state the following facts concerning
my arrest on ____________________ (date of offense):
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
______________
I have read the above statement and verify that it is a true and accurate representation of fact, this
_____ day of ________________, 20____. I verify that I have not in any manner altered the
truthful account of the facts surrounding my case in order to receive the privilege of participating in
the Deferred Prosecution Program. I further verify that I enter this Admission of Guilt voluntarily,
and that I have not been coerced or threatened into doing so. I understand that only in the event I
am rejected for the Deferred Prosecution Program that this Admission of Guilt will not be used
against me in the further disposition of this matter, whether by plea, trial, or otherwise. However, I
also understand that in the event I am admitted to the Deferred Prosecution Program and am
subsequently terminated from that Program for non-compliance, this Admission of Guilt will be
used against me in subsequent proceedings regarding this matter, including its admission at any trial
regarding this matter.
_______________________________
Defendant’s Signature
_______________________
Date
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VI. Medical Information of Defendant
The following is a list of medications that I am currently taken or have taken in the recent past:
MEDICATION
REASON FOR TAKING
Have you been diagnosed with any type of mental health issues in the past? _________________
If so, what was the diagnosis? _____________________________________________________
How long ago was that diagnosis made?_____________________________________________
Who made the diagnosis? ________________________________________________________
Are you currently under the care of a mental health professional?_________________________
If so, who is your doctor/therapist?_________________________________________________
What are your current medical issues, if any? _________________________________________
What previous medical issues, if any, may have led to the misconduct of which you have just
detailed above?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
What other mental health and/or medical issues, if any, should the Veterans Court consider when
factoring both your application and treatment?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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VII. Drug Screening Protocol
As a condition of my admission into the Veterans Court Program, I understand and agree to
all of the following Drug Screening Protocols and Procedures:
1.
Drug Screening shall be conducted only on urine samples provided by me. I will not be
allowed to have drug screening conducted by blood sample, hair follicle, or other screening method,
unless otherwise ordered by the Court;
2.
I will be drug screened at a frequency determined by the Veterans Court by the Treatment
Team and/or the Court;
3.
Following my formal admission to the Program, I will be required to obtain a drug screen at
the Department of Alternative Sentencing;
4.
Any positive drug screen result (a result that indicates I have used a prohibited substance or
a result that indicates an abnormally diluted urine sample) must be “confirmed” before I may be
sanctioned or punished for such result. A positive drug screen may be confirmed in two ways. I
will first be given an opportunity to admit or deny use of the substance indicated by the initial drug
screen result, or to accept or challenge an initial indication of an abnormally diluted urine sample.
If I admit use of the indicated substance or accept the initial indication of abnormal dilution, I
understand I will be sanctioned or punished for such result. If I deny use of the indicated substance
or challenge the initial indication of an abnormally diluted urine sample, I will not be sanctioned or
punished until my urine sample is tested by a facility approved by the Court. I understand that a
sanction following an independent confirmation will be more severe than a sanction following a
confirmation by my admission and acceptance of responsibility. I will be responsible for payment
of the confirmation testing by a local hospital.
5.
I agree that all drug screen results will be provided to the court in writing, and that all
supporting chain of custody information will likewise be provided to the court in writing. As a
condition of my admission into the Program, I expressly and specifically waive any requirement for
personal appearance by, or testimony of, any person or entity involved directly or indirectly in the
transportation, storage, maintenance, handling, or testing of any urine screen;
6.
In the event I provide a urine sample at Department of Alternative Sentencing that I believe
may be abnormally diluted, I will have the opportunity to leave a second urine sample, provided: (a)
I do not leave the lab between providing the first and second sample; (b) I leave the second sample
no more than 60 minutes after the first sample; and (c) the second sample is provided prior to 5:00
p.m.;
7.
I may not ask any lab personnel about the results of any drug testing on any of my urine
samples, nor seek advice regarding providing second urine samples under the circumstances set
forth in Paragraph 8;
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8.
I must leave a sufficient volume of urine for both initial drug screening and confirmation
testing. The minimum volume required for such testing will be determined by the Department of
Alternative Sentencing. If I do not leave a sufficient volume of urine for either initial drug
screening or confirmation testing my urine sample will be deemed to be positive and I will be
sanctioned for such result;
9.
I understand the Department of Alternative Sentencing is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
and that I am not allowed to test outside of those hours without the prior written authorization of
my case manager. I understand that lab personnel are specifically prohibited by the Court from
accepting urine samples outside of these hours without prior written consent of my case manager.
______________________________________
Signature of Applicant/Participant
_______________
Date
_______________________________________
Applicant/Participant’s Attorney
_______________
Date
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VIII. VETERANS COURT SANCTIONS
Sanctions will be imposed for violation of any of the Veterans Treatment Court Rules & Requirements, as well as
violation or any other failure to comply with an Order of the Veterans Court Judge, Veterans Court Case Manager
or the Veterans Court Compliance Panel. Sanctions will be imposed based on the specifics of the individual case.
Additionally, treatment may be required which may include an outpatient or inpatient treatment program. Such a
requirement is a therapeutic effort to address my problem and is not designed to be a sanction or punishment for
any rules or requirements I may have violated. The same violation may not result in the same sanction for two
different Veterans Court participants. The following is a partial list of sanctions that may be imposed for noncompliance. The Court or Veterans Court Compliance Panel may impose different or additional sanctions that
may be appropriate for the non-compliant conduct:













Incarceration in the Jail
Detention at the Community Corrections Facility (Work Release)
Community service
Home Detention
Electronic monitoring
Curfew Imposed
Increased frequency of court appearances
Phase Demotion
Increased reporting to Case Manager
Increased frequency of drug screens
Delay in graduation date
Increased costs to graduate (only applicable if sanction results in extension of time to graduate)
Termination from the Veterans Court Program – Imposition of Sentence or reinstatement of charges that
were continued to be dismissed pursuant to Deferred Prosecution
I have read and understand the sanctions I may be subject to for violation of the Veterans Court Rules &
Requirements.
__________________________________
Applicant/Participant
____________________
Date
__________________________________
Witness
____________________
Date
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APPENDIX II
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Veterans Treatment Court
Handbook for Mentors
Veteran Court Mentors represent excellence and courage. They share a
vision and expectation for the VTC participant. Mentors and VTC participants have a few
things in common; they both have endured unique challenges during and after their service.
As Mentors, it’s our responsibility to make the time to support our warriors.
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VTC COURT LETTERHEAD
[Mentor Handbook Welcome Letter]
DATE
Via Hand Delivery
Prospective Mentor
Dear Prospective Mentor:
We welcome your interest in the Veterans Court Mentor program. We are excited about
your potential involvement. Your mentor/VTC participant relationship will contribute to the success
of the program and the success of the VTC participant. This handbook is provided to ensure that
you have the resources needed to assist you through the mentoring process and inform you of the
responsibilities of each mentor before you embark on this important volunteer task.
Participants in this program deal with a variety of issues; such as substance abuse, mental
health problems, anger issues, trouble transitioning back to civilian life and post-traumatic stress
disorder. Through this program, mentors are in place to assist VTC participant’s with getting help
with services such as mental health problems, medication, employment resources, homelessness,
addiction , housing resources, communicating to the VTC participant the importance of attending
required court appearances and helping the VTC participant to obtain suitable and reliable
transportation. This is a program designed for Mentor’s to support other veterans (VTC
participants) and help them get the support that they need and deserve during the process of
completing this one (1) year program.
We urge you to become familiar with this Handbook because there may be specific
information in the handbook that can assist you with the imperative partnership between you and
the VTC participant.
Thank you for your continued service.
Judge So and So
Circuit Court Judge.
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The Mentor Program
Mission & Description. The mission of the Veterans Treatment Court Mentor Program is to ensure
that every participating veteran in the VTC has a fellow veteran who acts as a mentor, advocate and
ally. The VTC relies on cooperation and collaboration among the criminal justice system, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans service organizations, and community treatment agencies to
provide comprehensive treatment for veterans. In addition to these entities, the Court also utilizes
mentors. Mentors are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who volunteer their time to assist the Court,
providing advice, personal experiences, recommendations and guidance to veterans. Many of our
mentors come from a number of veterans service organizations, the local community and government
organizations. Mentors include but are not limited to those who have served in peacetime, Vietnam,
Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The mentor relationship promotes and fosters, through encouragement, a “can do” attitude in the
veteran. The veteran becomes motivated to accomplish his or her treatment goals, feels that he or she
is not alone, and knows that the mentor and the Court are there for them. Experience has shown that
veterans respond more favorably to other veterans who have served in the military and share similar
experiences. The veterans appear to be more comfortable when talking with a fellow veteran because
the mentor converses and interacts with the veteran participant as a peer rather than as an authority
figure.
The change in demeanor of the veteran participant becomes an opportunity to make a profound
impact on the veterans who enter the VTC. Based on these observations it became clear that mentors
would be an essential part of the VTC. We anticipated that these active and supportive relationships
maintained throughout treatment would increase the likelihood that a veteran would remain in
treatment and improve his or her chances of maintaining sobriety and law-abiding behavior.
Mentor Responsibilities & Requirements. The mentor acts as a coach, a guide, a role model, an
advocate, and a support for the veteran participant as they progress through the court process. This
includes listening to concerns, making general suggestions, assisting the veteran in determining his or
her needs, and acting as a support for the veteran, especially when he or she may be feeling isolated.
Mentors are assigned to each program participant. There will be both a primary and secondary (backup) Mentor if possible. The back-up helps maintain stability with the court should the primary need to
be absent from a court appearance. Mentors are a regular presence for the VTC participant. They
serve as an ally and an extension of the Court. The Mentor assists the participant as he/she navigates
through the Court and treatment activities.
Mentors are recommended to articulate clearly expectations to the VTC participant. As appropriate,
mentors should try to develop with their VTC participant’s a timetable for completing specific
objectives and provide an environment where communication is encouraged. Ongoing
communication between the mentor and the VTC participant is invaluable. Try to establish a
partnership based on an open communications, productive and proactive interaction. Consistent
communication via phone or e-mail is an important element of mentoring. Regular face-to-face
meetings are vital to building a strong and effective relationship between each of your participants.
Actively listening to the participants will allow the mentor to find out what the professional and
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personal goals are of the VTC participant. The mentor must be ready to offer suggestions and
general guidance to the participants for any concerns they may have as they progress through the
program, but it is not the mentor’s job to solve the problem for the participant. Rather, the mentor
can help the participant identify resources that might be helpful and encourage the participant to do
the “footwork” to get the help they need to solve their own life’s challenges.
Finally, the mentor should be protective of sensitive information given to him/her by the veteran
and not reveal any information except as may be required by the court unless in a situation where
safety of the participant or another human being may be at risk. In those critical situations, the
mentor must make emergency contacts to prevent harm. The following are recommended
guidelines and qualities for every mentor:
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
Meet with the veteran participant once a week for at least one hour.
Be supportive and understanding of the difficulties the veteran is facing.
Assist the veteran as much as possible in resolving their concerns regarding court procedures.
Be supportive and helpful to other mentors.
Have a genuine concern for veterans in the legal system.
Be in good standing with the law.
Be a veteran of one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the Army,
Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and their corresponding Reserve and Guard
branches.
Adhere to all of the VTC Program’s policies and procedures.
Commit to participation for a minimum of one (1) year or until the participant graduates.
Complete the required initial training as specified by the Court prior to participation in VTC.
Participate in any additional training as required by the VTC.
Do not engage in any drug use, alcohol use, sexual activities or other unlawful activities with
the VTC participants.
Notify the Mentor Coordinator if the participant becomes suicidal, wants to harm others, or
engages in unlawful activities.
Active listener & empathetic.
Encouraging and supportive.
Tolerant and respectful of individual differences.
Knowledge of community resources and services.
Mentor Screening Policy. Each prospective mentor must complete a screening process conducted
by the VTC Mentor & Resource Coordinator. The decision to accept or deny an applicant will be
made by the Mentor & Resource Coordinator, the Program Director, and the Judge. Feedback
regarding the prospective mentor’s denial may or may not be given. The decision to provide or
withhold feedback is solely at the discretion of the VTC Mentor & Resource Coordinator, the
Program Director, and the Judge.
The volunteer mentor screening procedure includes, but is not limited to:
★ Completing a written application form;
★ Completing a personal interview;
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★ Completing a background check.
Mentor Training Policy. Training is crucial for volunteer mentors and initial training is especially
important for prospective mentors. All prospective mentors must complete the required initial
training or they will not be able to mentor during court proceedings. Training will include attendance
at multiple VTC dockets to understand the process. It will also include being paired with a senior
Mentor, or the Mentor Coordinator, so that the conduct of the mentorship is appropriate and effective.
Mentor Eligibility & Recruitment Policy. Each mentor must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in
section “Veteran Mentor Requirements” to participate in the program. Extenuating circumstances
may be reviewed at the discretion of the VTC Mentor & Resource Coordinator. The VTC Mentor &
Resource Coordinator assumes the majority of the responsibility for recruiting new mentors. The
VTC team, its collaborative partners and current mentors are strongly encouraged to refer highly
respectable and reputable veterans to the VTC Mentor Program. Additionally, VTC team members
and mentors are strongly encouraged to attend and host informational sessions and training for
perspective mentors.
Recognition and Awards. At least once a year all mentors will be recognized for their role in the
Veterans Treatment Court. The VTC Mentor & Resource Coordinator is responsible for planning and
implementing recognition activities.
The VTC Mentor & Resource Coordinator
The Mentor & Resource Coordinator is essential in maintaining the success of the VTC Mentor
Program. The Mentor & Resource Coordinator is responsible for recruiting prospective mentors,
screening and selecting candidates, and educating them about Veterans Treatment Court. The
Mentor & Resource Coordinator is also responsible for individual and group supervision as well as
scheduling mentors to be present during court proceedings. The Mentor & Resource Coordinator also
coordinates all activities with the court team staff, court coordinator, and the Judge.
Mentor & Resource Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities
★ Recruit and train volunteer Veterans Treatment Court mentors
★ Assist in the retention of mentors
★ Organize and conduct training for mentors
★ Assist in supervision of mentors
★ Assist in developing specialized training projects
★ Perform duties as assigned by the Program Director and the Judge
★ Sustain and evolve the Mentor Program
The Mentor & Resource Coordinator is a very important part of the VTC team, especially since all
of the mentors have such close interaction with the veteran participants in the VTC program. This
individual should be both a senior mentor and a trusted member of the VTC team.
Knowledge of a Prospective Mentor’s Negative History
Current mentors with knowledge that a prospective mentor has a negative history and/or background
must communicate his or her knowledge or concerns to the VTC Mentor & Resource Coordinator,
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the Program Director, or the Judge. Withholding this information may jeopardize the integrity of the
VTC Mentor Program, the Court, and/or the veteran participants.
Unacceptable Behavior Policy
Unacceptable behaviors will not be tolerated while a mentor is participating in the program. Because
of the direct impact a mentor has on a veteran participant, behaviors that are
not aligned with the mission, vision, goals, and values of the Veterans Treatment Court are
unacceptable and prohibited.
Courtroom Etiquette and Proper Attire. A courtroom is a solemn place which represents the
judicial branch of the government, and a judge demands respect, whether it’s federal, state, or local.
The prosecution represents either the city or state prosecuting the veteran and they too should be
treated with reverence and respect. This applies to both the mentor and the VTC participant. All
members of the VTC Team, to include the mentor, will be treated with the utmost respect.
Any VTC participant appearing before the court shall have the responsibility to act and speak to the
Judge and all that are involved as representatives of the court with respect. In addition, the VTC
participant should have respect for the courtroom process. When in court it is suggest that the
mentor advise the VTC participant of the following:
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
No hats or baseball caps;
Avoid excessive jewelry-Keep the jewelry to a minimum;
Do not appear before the Court wearing over fitting clothing;
Consider a conservative haircut;
Natural hair and nail color;
Make sure your hair is brushed, and if you have facial hair it should be groomed and
trimmed;
Tuck in your shirt;
No beach clothing;
Steer clear of clothing that communicates a message;
Arrive early and prepared;
No Shorts;
No Halter or tube top;
No Flip flops;
No ripped or torn jeans;
No clothing that depicts or promotes violence, sex acts, illegal drug use or profanity.
Cover any tattoos and remove removable piercings, if possible.
The proper way the VTC participant should address the Judge is “Your Honor”, and should address
other Court representatives as Sir or Ma’am, to include the other mentors.
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FORMS FOR PROSPECTIVE MENTORS
There are a number of forms that each prospective mentor will need to complete. Depending on the
jurisdiction of the Veterans Treatment Court, several forms may need to be completed to both state
and federal agencies. Those forms will likely include:





Application for Volunteer Services (State Office of Courts);
Department of Homeland Security, Form I-9;
Veterans Treatment Court Application;
Veterans Treatment Court Mentor’s Personal Date Sheet & Consent Form (Attached);
Background Check Consent Form.
Again, each jurisdiction will have standard forms for each of these. It is important to realize the
sensitivity and confidential nature of many of the documents and communications to which
Mentors will be exposed. However, the Mentor’s Personal Data Sheet & Consent Form is uniquely
developed for VTC programs and is therefore attached to this Handbook.
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[SAMPLE]
VETERANS COURT
Mentor’s Personal Data Sheet & Consent Form
Privacy Act Statement Privacy Act Statement of 1974 (SUSC 552a) AUTHORITY: Title 37
USC see 101 INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE SHALL BE
DISCLOSED ONLY TO THE VETERANS COURT AND/OR AGENTS OF THE VETERANS
COURT. INFORMATION SHALL BE DISCLOSED FOR OFFICIAL COURT USE ONLY.
I have read and understand this Privacy Act Statement above; Initials: _____
General Information:
Printed Name: _____________________________________________________
SSN: ___________________ DOB: ______________State of Birth____________________
Gender: _________ Religion/Faith: _______________________
Residence (Current Physical Address):
Street Address___________________ City ___________ State ____ Zip_______________
Mailing Address (If Different from Above):
Address/P.O. Box________________ City ____________State_____Zip______________
Permanent Address (of someone will always know how to contact you):
Street Address__________________ City ___________ State _____ Zip_______________
Place of Employment (if applicable):____________________________________________
Contact Phone: (H) _____________ (W) ___________________ (C)
________________________
Hobbies:
______________________________________________________________________________
Military Service Information:
Branch of Service: _________ Years Served: ______ Type Discharge: ________ DD214 (Y) (N)
Veteran Status: Combat Vet (Y) (N) Retired (Y) (N) Service Connected Disability
VA Disability Rating % _____
Family Information:
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Next of Kin: Name _____________________Relationship______________________________
Next of Kin Address:
______________________________________________________________________________
Marital Status: Single ( ) Married ( )
Divorced ( ) year of divorce ______________
State where divorced was granted_______________
Widowed ( ) year spouse died _____________
State where spouse died ______________________
Spouse Name: ____________________________
Significant Other Name: ___________________
Children Name(s): _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Are any children under the age of 19? (Y) (N)
Emergency Contact Name: ____________
Relationship: _______________________
Phone Numbers: ____________________
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APPENDIX III
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Veterans Court
_______________________________________________________
Participant Graduation Questionnaire
________________________________________________________
[Your Judicial Circuit]
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Congratulations Veterans Treatment Court Graduate! You have successfully completed this
Veterans Treatment Court. To ensure the viability of this Veterans Treatment Court so that we can
continue to assist veterans like you, and as a final condition of your treatment, please answer the
following questions:
1. When did you enter Veterans Treatment Court? ________________________________
2. What were your charges? Describe.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
3. Did you have any substance abuse issues, to include alcohol, prior to entering the Veterans
Treatment Court? ____________________________
a. If yes, what substances? ______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
4. Had you been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress prior to your entry in this Veterans
Treatment Court? _______
a. Have you been diagnosed since? ___________ If so, when? ___________
5. Please list the veterans and/or VA benefits that you have incurred since your entry into the
Veterans Treatment Court program?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
6. Please list the veterans and/or VA benefits that you have improved upon since your entry
into the Veterans Treatment Court program?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
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7. What would you identify as your single biggest “issue” upon entry into the Veterans
Treatment Court?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
8. How would you describe the current existence of that single biggest issue now that you are
graduating from Veterans Treatment Court? How will you deal with it going forward?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
9. Were you employed prior to entry into the Veterans Treatment Court? Describe.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
10. Would you describe that employment as under-employed, satisfactory or over-employed?
Why?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
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11. How would you describe your employment now as compared to when you entered Veterans
Treatment Court? Explain.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
12. Describe how your relationships with family and friends, to include children, have improved
since your entry into the Veterans Treatment Court?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
13. Did you have permanent housing prior to entering the Veterans Treatment Court? _____
a. If not, do you have housing now? ________
b. If so, has your housing improved since entry into the Veterans Treatment Court?
Describe.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
__________________
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14. Describe your physical ailments prior to entering Veterans Treatment Court?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
a. How have your physical ailments improved, if at all, since your entry into the
Veterans Treatment Court?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
b. Are your physical ailments service related? Explain.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________
c. Do you believe your physical ailments were to blame, at least in part, for your
addiction (if any)? Explain.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________
d. What medications are you still taking upon graduation?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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15. What was your education level upon entry into the Veterans Treatment Court?
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
16. Have you taken any steps to increase your education level since your entry into the Veterans
Treatment Court? Describe the steps you have taken.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
17. What was the primary reason(s) why you were able to succeed in Veterans Treatment
Court?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
18. What type of counseling did you find the most helpful? Why?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
19. If there is one thing you could change about Veterans Treatment Court, what would it be?
Describe.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Congratulations! You’re outta here!
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