Veterans Treatment Court
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Services often return to civilian life with new and unique personal challenges, including mental illness and/or substance abuse. Many of these men and women have experienced active combat situations, resulting in lasting trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other problems that are difficult to overcome. Criminal behavior, behavioral health issues, and substance use disorder can sometimes stem from the complex traumas encountered during military service. Veterans Treatment Courts offer a specialized treatment-oriented solution for veterans with open criminal cases.
VTCs offer a blueprint for recovery, connecting veterans who have become involved in the justice system to appropriate behavioral health and community support services in a court setting. The program provides court-supervised treatment as an alternative to incarceration and supports veterans with services to address the issues that contributed to their criminal charges. These services include treatment for substance use disorder and/or mental health, connection to benefits, and help with housing, employment and education.
VTC combines the principles used in Drug Court and Mental Health Court to help veterans achieve stable mental health and recover from substance use disorder. Like other Specialty Courts programs, VTCs use a multidisciplinary team model, including a judge, court staff, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment and other service providers, probation, law enforcement, volunteer veteran peer mentors, and representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Team members work collaboratively to help justice-involved veterans overcome challenges associated with the transition from military service. VTC teams receive training on the state level and seek training through the Veterans Treatment Court Planning Initiative of the National Drug Court Institute.
The Department of Specialty Courts launched Kentucky’s first VTC in Jefferson County in 2012 and operates programs in Boone, Campbell, Christian, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, and Kenton counties and provides direct services and resource connections to surrounding areas.
Veterans interested in being considered for VTC, regardless of county of residence, can be referred by a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, probation officer, pretrial officer, Veterans Justice Outreach coordinator, or a VTC team member.
Recognizing the unique power of camaraderie among those who have served in the armed forces, pairing justice-involved veterans with mentors provides an opportunity to connect with fellow veterans to dismantle barriers, enhance treatment outcomes, and foster personal growth and renewed purpose.
Veteran Court Mentorship Program
The Department of Specialty Courts is honored to support and strengthen the Kentucky Veterans Treatment Court Mentorship Program, which embodies the commitment to empowering veterans and enriching their lives through community, connection, and compassion.
Recognizing the unique power of camaraderie among those who have served in the armed forces, pairing justice-involved veterans with mentors provides an opportunity to connect with fellow veterans to dismantle barriers, enhance treatment outcomes, and foster personal growth and renewed purpose.
Veteran mentor programs are an essential component of veteran treatment courts. If you are interested in connecting with or learning more about veteran mentorship opportunities in your area, contact the Department of Specialty Courts.