The mission of the 10th District Veterans Treatment Court is to take an active role in promoting the safety of our community while recognizing a veterans' honorable and significant service to our country by offering a court-supervised treatment program aimed at addressing the military-related health/behavioral issues that led to criminal behavior. Our mission is driven by our community's need for public safety, accountability, education, reduced victimization, cost effectiveness and responsible citizenship.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Veteran or active member of the US Armed Forces with separation in a manner other than a dishonorable discharge.

Calhoun County resident (non-residents will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on their ability to meet program requirements).

Currently charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense generally related to the military service of the participant (e.g. the abuse, illegal use, or possession of a controlled substance/alcohol or mental illness that arises as a result of service).

Currently dependent upon or abusing drugs/alcohol, or suffering from a mental illness, but not an unwarranted or substantial risk to individual/public safety.

Not presently charged with, or have been convicted of, an offense involving the death of, or serious bodily injury to any individuals, whether or not any of these circumstances are an element of the offense, or criminal sexual conduct in any degree.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Veterans Treatment Court is a four phase program. Each phase has specific requirements that participants must meet. Requirements include mental health and/or substance abuse treatment. Advancement to the next phase is based on a participant's compliance with program requirements.

Every participant has a probation case manager and must appear either bi-weekly or monthly (depending on what phase they are in) before the Veterans Treatment Court Judge. Prior to every court review, the Veterans Treatment Court team, made up of the judge, case manager, a prosecuting attorney, a defense attorney, a treatment provider, the VTC coordinator and others, meet to discuss every participant's compliance, or lack of compliance, with program requirements. The Veterans Treatment Court Team recommmends to the Judge whether a participant will receive a positive performance review or a sanction for lack of compliance. Everything discussed in a Veterans Treatment Court Team meeting is confidential. Every participant's privacy is protected.

Every participant is assigned a Veterans Treatment Court Mentor. Mentors are active or veteran members of the U.S. Armed Forces, whose role is to be a listening ear and support for the participant. A mentor encourages and guides a participant as he/she progresses through the program.

VETERANS TREATMENT COURT MENTOR
If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor. Please fill out the application.

If you would like more information about being a mentor, please email Rick Denney.