Training and Technical Assistance
Throughout November, Justice For Vets is encouraging all veterans treatment courts to reach out to their communities and local media. This is the perfect time to tell the story of the incredible transformations brought about every day in veterans treatment court. Download your toolkit to get started.
Dispatch from the Front Lines - Resource publications on key issues facing veterans treatment courts
Dispatch from the Front Lines is a publication offered by Justice For Vets to assist existing and future veterans treatment courts on a variety of topics, including volunteer veteran mentors, working with veterans service organizations, partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and state veterans agencies, as well as other policy-related topics. Read Dispatch from the Front Lines.
Justice For Vets National Mentor Corps - Volunteer veteran mentors in veterans treatment courts across the country
No bond is as strong as the one that exists among those who have fought for their country. Volunteer veteran mentors in veterans treatment courts come to the aid of their fellow veterans in need. This opportunity allows veterans in court to interact with their peers and connect to the myriad local, state, and federal resources available to them. Learn more.
Mentor Court Program - Apply to visit one of four mentor veterans treatment courts
Jurisdictions across the nation have the opportunity to learn from one of four nationally recognized veterans treatment courts, hearing from experience what it takes to implement and improve one of these life-saving programs. Individuals and court teams are given the opportunity to interact with judges, volunteer veteran mentors, prosecutors, defense counsel, treatment providers, and other team members vital to the success of veterans treatment courts. Read more or sign up to visit a mentor court.
Veterans Treatment Court Planning Initiative - Comprehensive Veterans Treatment Court Training
The Veterans Treatment Court Planning Initiative is designed to assist jurisdictions in the planning and development of a veterans treatment court program. This training arms veterans treatment court teams with the technical assistance, guidance, and resources needed to successfully implement one of these programs. Learn more.
The widespread growth and early success of veterans treatment courts has led many states to introduce bills pertaining to justice-involved veterans and veterans treatment courts. Justice For Vets stands ready to assist state legislators and policy makers with veterans treatment court legislation. Read some examples of current state legislation or contact us for assistance.
Research and Statistics
As veterans treatment courts expand across the nation, it is vital for court professionals and those engaged with justice-involved veterans to stay informed with the latest research and statistics. Learn more.
- VTCs and The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- VTCs and The U.S. Department of Labor
- VTCs and State Departments of Veterans Affairs
- VTCs and Veterans Service Organizations
After the Uniform is a documentary that takes a look at the post-service lives of veterans. The people profiled in the video help audiences understand PTSD and other psychological issues veterans may face after their service ends. This 45-minute video is a great resource for veterans, their families, and anyone who may provide resources and support to the military.
Veterans Treatment Courts: A Second Chance for Veterans Who Have Lost Their Way is an internet broadcast that highlights the ins-and-outs of veterans treatment courts. The program features experts in the field, including Judge Robert Russell, founder of the first veterans treatment court; Nick Stefanovic, a veterans treatment court graduate; Sean Clarke, Director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Justice Outreach Program; and Melissa Fitzgerald, Senior Director at NADCP, among others. With its thorough overview of these life-saving programs from their inception in 2008 to implementation today, the broadcast is an excellent resource for jurisdictions interested in starting a veterans treatment court, as well as established jurisdictions looking to improve their program. Watch now.
Other Court Resources
- Ten Key Components of Veterans Treatment Courts
- Army OneSource Veterans Treatment Court Webinar Series
- Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court Eligibility Questionnaire
- Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court Policy and Procedure Manual
- Tulsa Veterans Treatment Court Policy and Procedure Manual
- MOU: Tulsa Veterans Treatment Court and the VHA and VBA
- Information and Recommendations for Services Provided by VHA Facilities
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Justice Outreach Initiative White Paper
A Mentor in Combat Veterans Court: Observations and Challenges
Mentoring is nothing new, but mentoring in a combat veterans court by fellow combat veterans is. This article comments on the role mentors play in a veterans court, mentor training, and the need for the development of mentor training specific to female veterans.
Veterans Treatment Courts Developing throughout the Nation
This article discusses the growing number of veterans with a history of mental illness and/or substance use disorders who have been appearing in courts and how courts have begun to develop and implement veterans treatment courts to help veterans get their lives back on track.
In 2012, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs conducted an inventory of veterans courts, dockets, and programs, and tracks and found that Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists were active in all 168 such entities as of December 2012.
Leave No Veteran Behind: A special court tries to keep troubled veterans out of prison - The Economist
This article reviews the development of veterans treatment courts across the country since the 2008 opening of first program in Buffalo, New York.
Finding a new normal: Special courts help vets regain discipline, camaraderie by turning to mentors whove served - The Military Times
This article provides an overview of the history, development, theoretical basis for, and a map of existing veterans treatment courts.
Veterans Court Restorative Justice
Indiana veterans treatment courts and all other problem-solving courts are required to be certified by the Indiana Judicial Center.
Fayette County Treatment Court Guide for Attorneys and Staff
This guide provides information on eligibility, the referral process, and scheduling hearings.
Fourth Judicial District Veterans Court Two Year Review: July 2010 June 2012
This review of the Fourth Judicial District Veterans Court includes a pre and post analysis of participants at this point in the program. A full evaluation, with a matched comparison sample, will ensue once the number of graduates reaches 100 and those graduates have one year of street-time after veterans treatment court.
Court Programs for Wisconsin Veterans
A brief overview of existing programs in Wisconsin courts, including several veterans treatment courts.
The Prevalence and Problem of Military Veterans in the Maricopa County Arrestee Population
This report provides an overview of information on veterans in the Maricopa County (Arizona) Jail System, drawing on data collected by the Arizona Arrestee Reporting Information Network. This report is intended to assist the work of the Veterans Court Exploratory Committee.
Report of Veterans Arrested and Booked into the Travis County Jail
This report provides an assessment of the involvement of veterans in the criminal justice system in Travis County, Texas during a 90-day period in 2008.
Synopsis of La Crosse Model of the Veterans Court
This report provides an overview of veterans courts and compares the La Crosse, Wisconsin plan to existing veterans courts.
Veterans Courts Policy Brief
This policy brief from the Texas Public Policy Foundation reviews the information on veterans in the criminal justice system and reviews recent Texas legislation allowing creation of veterans treatment courts.
Developing and Implementing a Veterans Treatment Court in Michigan
This document outlines some of the procedures followed in developing the Ingham County Veterans Court in an effort to assist other courts in creating a veterans treatment court program.