veteran's treatment court project
Post on 12-Aug-2015
283 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
VETERAN’S TREATMENT COURT PROJECT
Introduction
Introduction
Purpose
Provide a general overview Why What How
Background of the project
My Background The National Center for Veteran Studies
at the University of Utah (NCVS) Directed Research
Intended audience
Assumptions Legal Community
Judges, prosecution and defense attorneys Service Providers
Overview
How to use this course
Chapters Format
Video and PDF slideshow Design Purpose
Crash course
Continue to next section…
JUST WHAT IS A DEPLOYMENT?
One soldier’s perspective
Personal Deployment Experience Pre-mobilization (3 months) Short leave Camp Bucca (9 months) Mission Demobilization Reunion Reintegration
Saying Goodbye
Pre-mobilization training
Gas Chamber
Pepper Spray
Short leave home
Camp Bucca (9 months)
Living Quarters
Responding to IDF
Friends
Missing Family
Christmas
Travel
Mid-tour leave
Opportunities to do good
Preparing to come home
Continue to next section…
CHAPTER I
Who are Veteran’s
Topics Covered
General overview of military structure Who makes up the military community The military justice system When does one become a “Veteran”
A general overview
Military Structure
Military Structure
Department of Defense United States Army (USA) United States Navy (USN) United States Marine Corp (USMC) United States Air Force (USAF)
Department of Homeland Security United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Military Structure
Army 1775 Active Duty: 522,388 Reserve: 202,000 National Guard: 352,000 Mission:
“The Army’s mission is to fight and win our Nation’s wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders.”
Sources: www.todaysmilitary.com & www.army.mil & http://open.dodlive.mil/data-gov/demographics/
Military Structure
Navy Established: 1775 Active: 337,690 Reserve: 61,891 Mission: “The mission of the
Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.”
Sources www.todaysmilitary.com & http://open.dodlive.mil/data-gov/demographics/ & www.navy.mil
Military Structure
Marine Corps Established: 1775 Active: 184,000 Reserve: 42,602 Mission
“The Marine Corps shall be organized, trained, and equipped to provide fleet marine forces of combined arms, together with supporting air components, for service with the fleet in the seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and for the conduct of such land operations as may be essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign.” - 10 U.S.C. § 5063
Sources www.todaysmilitary.com & http://open.dodlive.mil/data-gov/demographics/
Military Structure
Air Force Established Active: 352,000 Reserve: 109,622 Guard: 160,700 Mission: “The mission of the
United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win...in air, space and cyberspace.”
Sources www.todaysmilitary.com & http://open.dodlive.mil/data-gov/demographics/ & www.af.mil
Military Structure
Officer Rank Commissioned officer Warrant officer
Enlisted Rank Lower enlisted Non-commissioned officer
Types of punishment – commander’s discretion Restriction of duties Detention/confinement Forfeiture of pay Reduction in rank Extra duties
Court Martial Offenses
Sex Offenses Perjury and False
Statements Assault and
related offenses Escape and
related offenses Homicide Desertion
Disobedience Theft Offenses Robbery Fraud Offenses Conduct
unbecoming an officer
Alcohol and drug offenses
Military Discharge
Administrative Honorable
Meets or exceeds the requirements
Full benefits General
Some form of non-judicial content
Under Other Than Honorable Conditions Significant
departure from military conduct
Lose most benefits
Judicial Process Bad Conduct
Punitive discharge Nearly all benefits
lost Dishonorable
Can only be given through a General Court Martial for serious offenses (i.e. murder, rape and desertion)
Source: http://www.eielson.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123117744
Continue to next section…
Overview
Part I Recent Combat Deployments
Part II Reactions to op-tempo Troop issues stemming from OEF/OIF
OEF/OIF Operational Tempo (op-tempo)
Part 1: Recent Combat Deployments
Stressors from OEF/OIF
Risk of death or injury Witness death of
buddies Kill others in combat Constant fear of threat Prolonged separation Sexual Trauma More severe physical
trauma TBI Prior traumatic event
PTSD Substance Abuse Suicide Reunion/
Reintegration issues
Cause Possible Effect
Sources: Mental Health Effects of Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/overview-mental-health-effects.asp & Returning From the War Zone: A guide for Military Personnel, PDF guide available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/reintegration/guide-pdf/SMGuide.pdf
Common reactions
Trouble sleeping, overly tired
Stomach upset, trouble eating
Headaches and sweating when thinking of the war
Rapid heartbeat or breathing
Existing health problems become worse
Experiencing shock, being numb, unable to feel happy
Bad dreams, nightmares Flashbacks or frequent
unwanted memories Anger Feeling nervous, helpless or
fearful Feeling guilty, self-blame,
shame Feeling sad, rejected, or
abandoned Agitated, easily upset,
irritated, or annoyed Feeling hopeless about the
future
Common Physical ReactionsCommon Mental and Emotional Reactions
Source: Returning From the War Zone: A guide for Military Personnel, PDF guide available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/reintegration/guide-pdf/SMGuide.pdf
Common reactions, cont.
Trouble concentrating
Edgy, jumpy and easily startled
Being on guard, always alert, concerned too much about safety and security
Aggressive driving habits
Avoiding people or places related to the trauma
Too much drinking, smoking, or drug use
Lack of exercise, poor diet, or health care
Problems doing regular tasks at work or school
Behavioral Reactions Behavioral Reactions
Source: Returning From the War Zone: A guide for Military Personnel, PDF guide available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/reintegration/guide-pdf/SMGuide.pdf
My Story
I gave the briefings about reunion/reintegration
Effects from above Slamming door at law
school Felt strong and like I
didn’t need help Hand to hand with
brothers Honeymoon and then
trouble Connecting with
other vets
What about those that leave the military? 2002 – 2009
1 million troops left OEF/OIF 46% went to the VA for services 48% percent that went in for care have
mental health problems (220,800 troops)
Source: Mental Health Effects of Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/overview-mental-health-effects.asp
Why don’t vets reach out for help? Concern over being seen as weak Concern about being treated differently Concern that others would lose confidence
in them Concerns about privacy They prefer to rely on family and friends They don't believe treatment is effective Concerns about side effects of treatments Problems with access, such as cost or
location of treatmentSource: Mental Health Effects of Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/overview-mental-health-effects.asp
Continue to next section…
ALL ABOUT PTSD
What is PTSD
“Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event.”
Sources: What is PTSD?, National Center for PTSD, USDVA, available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/handouts-pdf/handout_What_is_PTSD.pdf & What is PTSD? from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/what-is-ptsd.asp
Likelihood of getting PTSD
How intense the trauma was or how long it lasted
If you lost someone you were close to or were hurt
How close you were to the event How strong your reaction was How much you felt in control of events How much help and support you got
after the eventSources: What is PTSD?, National Center for PTSD, USDVA, available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/handouts-pdf/handout_What_is_PTSD.pdf & What is PTSD? from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/what-is-ptsd.asp
Onset of PTSD
Can be immediate Months Years 30% of individuals develop chronic
symptoms
Sources: What is PTSD?, National Center for PTSD, USDVA, available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/handouts-pdf/handout_What_is_PTSD.pdf & What is PTSD? from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/what-is-ptsd.asp
Symptoms of PTSD
Reliving the event Avoiding situations that remind you of
the event Feeling numb Feeling keyed up (also called
hyperarousal)
Sources: What is PTSD?, National Center for PTSD, USDVA, available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/handouts-pdf/handout_What_is_PTSD.pdf & What is PTSD? from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/what-is-ptsd.asp
Problems associated with PTSD Drinking or drug problems. Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or
despair. Employment problems. Relationships problems including divorce
and violence. Physical symptoms.
Sources: What is PTSD?, National Center for PTSD, USDVA, available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/handouts-pdf/handout_What_is_PTSD.pdf & What is PTSD? from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/what-is-ptsd.asp
Continue to next section…
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
All About TBI from Combat
What is TBI?
“Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs from a sudden blow or jolt to the head.”
TBI is the injury, not the symptoms Similar to a concussion Mild, moderate or severe 80% of all TBIs are moderate and can
have full recovery
Source: Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/traumatic_brain_injury_and_ptsd.asp.
Symptoms that follow a TBI
Symptoms that follow TBI are known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS)
Not all of the symptoms are present all the time
Source: Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/traumatic_brain_injury_and_ptsd.asp.
Symptoms
Headache Feeling dizzy Being tired Trouble sleeping Vision problems Feeling bothered
by noise and light
Memory problems Trouble staying
focused Poor judgment and
acting without thinking
Being slowed down Trouble putting
thoughts into words
Physical Cognitive (mental)
Source: Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/traumatic_brain_injury_and_ptsd.asp.
Symptoms, continued
Depression Anger outbursts
and quick to anger Anxiety (fear,
worry, or feeling nervous)
Personality changes
Represent getting better
Not to cause worry or concern
Symptoms of TBI overlap symptoms of PTSD
Both stem from trauma
Emotional (feelings) Symptoms are normal
Source: Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/traumatic_brain_injury_and_ptsd.asp.
Coping with TBI
Ease back into life Avoid alcohol and drugs Listen to the symptoms Symptoms are a normal part of
getting better Involve family
Source: Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/traumatic_brain_injury_and_ptsd.asp.
TBIs from OIF/OEF
Main causes of TBI in OIF/OEF vets: Blats, vehicle accidents, and gunshot wounds
22% of all OEF/OIF wounds are brain injuries 12% of all Vietnam wounds were brain injuries Veteran’s symptoms last longer than regular
civilian injuries Often coupled with more than one problem:
PTSD, chronic pain, substance abuse
Source: Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/traumatic_brain_injury_and_ptsd.asp.
What’s being done to mitigate?
Source: Softening TBI Implications from IED Impacts available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AkoYAp9bts
Continue to next section…
WHAT DO THESE ISSUES CREATE IN CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR?
Chapter III
The underlying reason behind the current project
Source: KSL.com available at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=12175791
PTSD v. other mental health
Research looks at the increased rate of violence for those who have PTSD
Limited research on those who are combat vets and not diagnosed with PTSD
Difference between having a mental health issue and the expression of that issue
Should this discussion be limited to just those who have PTSD? Those who are not seeking care Group with PTSD-like symptoms Battlemind – those skills that keep troops alive in combat
need to be turned off when at home Information from PTSD should be applied to
understanding combat veteran’s needs
How to turn off combat mindset…
Veteran’s, Invisible Wounds of War, and Co-occurring Disorders “In a 2008 Rand Corporation report that has received much public attention, it was noted
that since October 2001, almost 1.64 million U.S. troops have been deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF; Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF; Afghanistan).2 The report highlights the invisible wounds of war, relating to the psychological aftermath of these military initiatives. The two main invisible psychiatric and neurological areas of concern are posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).”
“Data are also emerging about the importance of recognizing that the co-occurring conditions of substance abuse and mental health problems are often a major obstacle to full functioning of returning veterans. Male veterans aged 18 to 25 are more likely than older male veterans to have had co-occurring serious mental illness and a substance use disorder.3 A study of approximately 300,000 soldiers who returned after deployment for OIF/OEF demonstrated elevated rates of mental health problems compared with soldiers
returning from other conflicts.4 In a study of soldiers who were surveyed after deployment and screened again, approximately 6 months later, 27 to 35 percent reported symptoms placing them at mental health risk, including symptoms of PTSD, depression, alcohol misuse, and suicidal ideation, as well as self-reported aggression.5 Seal and colleagues6 reported that among a group of OIF/OEF veterans seen at VA facilities, 27 percent had three or more mental health diagnoses, including depressive disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans also commonly occur together and can be difficult to distinguish,7 and both can be associated with co-occurring substance use disorders.”
“Thus, there is a growing recognition of the clinical and research attention needed to gain a better understanding of the prevalence and phenomenology of mental health, neuropsychiatric, and substance use conditions among veterans.”
Source: Veterans and the Justice System: The Next Forensic Frontier, Debra A. Pinals, MD available at http://www.jaapl.org/cgi/content/full/38/2/163
PTSD and criminal behavior
“At times the symptoms of PTSD may contribute to the likelihood that persons with the disorder will get in trouble with others or with the law. PTSD affects the way in which individuals perceive, process, and respond to people and situations (1). Trauma survivors with PTSD may be more prone to feeling threatened in many situations, even when the feeling of threat is not warranted. Some may act impulsively or go to extremes to protect themselves”
Source: Criminal Behavior and PTSD: An Analysis available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/criminal-behavior-ptsd.asp
Relationship between PTSD and Crime “It is important to note that any
relationship between PTSD and crime could be correlational rather than causative.”
Source: Criminal Behavior and PTSD: An Analysis available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/criminal-behavior-ptsd.asp
How PTSD affects functioning Cognition
Flashbacks Perceived threats Beliefs about justice
Heightened psychological arousal Anger and irritability Hypervigilance Exaggerated startle response
Emotional reactions Psychological distress Heightened emotions Emotional numbing
Source: Criminal Behavior and PTSD: An Analysis available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/criminal-behavior-ptsd.asp
The way forward
“Symptoms of PTSD can sometimes lead to a lifestyle that is more likely to result in aggressive or criminal behavior. Individuals with PTSD are often plagued by memories of the trauma and are chronically anxious. Feeling the need to be always "on guard" can cause survivors to misinterpret benign situations as threatening and cause them to respond with self-protective behavior. Increased physiological arousal may result in impulsive behavior that is out of proportion to the perceived threat.”
“Further epidemiological research is needed to determine the complex relationship between PTSD and crime. Even with this much-needed research, the role that PTSD may play in criminal behavior should be carefully appraised on a case-by-case basis.”
Source: Criminal Behavior and PTSD: An Analysis available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/criminal-behavior-ptsd.asp
Continue to next section…
HOW MIGHT REHABILITATION BE THE BEST MODEL?
Chapter IV
Social cost of an all volunteer military Burden shifting 1% percent of the population serves Cost of not handling the issue
Fears about ticking time bomb Getting system in place Use federal funds where available VA resources
Theories of the justice system Forms of punishment
Utilitarian (criminals calculate between punishment and pleasure) General deterrence – instills fear Specific deterrence – prevent future
misconduct by the individual Rehabilitation
Retributivism Because of the harm done to society, society
may harm the individual
Source: Joshua Dresler, Understanding Criminal Law, 3rd Ed. LexisNexis, Chapter 2
Why rehabilitation?
Society has a burden to do its part PTSD, TBI, substance abuse, domestic
violence are treatable! Veterans who are caught up into the criminal
justice system are often first time offenders First time offense may represent a veteran
who should get help but is not reaching out. Solve the problem quickly and effectively
using top-notch support programs Treat the issue before it becomes “malignant”
Realization from drug court model “Drug courts work by recognizing that
unless substance abuse ends, fines and jail time are unlikely to prevent future criminal activity. Consequently, drug courts, through frequent testing and court supervision, focus upon eliminating drug addiction as a long-term solution to crime.”
Source: Utah Drug Courts available at http://www.utcourts.gov/drugcourts/
Non-judicial punishment in the military Used to bring about specific
performance Timely correction Application by analogy rather than
duplication
Continue to next section…
WHAT IS BEING DONE AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVEL
Chapter V
National Associations
National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP)
Justice Center: The Council of State Governments
Federal involvement
Veteran’s Administration (VA) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
Local involvement
Federal Magistrate Judge Warner Judge John Baxter (Salt Lake City Justice
Court) Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim
Gill
Drug Courts
Adult Drug Court Model
“A specially designed court calendar or docket, the purposes of which are to achieve a reduction in recidivism and substance abuse among nonviolent substance abusing offenders and to increase the offender’s likelihood of successful habilitation through early, continuous, and intense judicially supervised treatment, mandatory periodic drug testing, community supervision, and use of appropriate sanctions and other rehabilitation services (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2005).”
Source: http://www.nadcp.org/learn/what-are-drug-courts/models
Drug Courts vs. Traditional Courts Level of supervision
Traditional: Court involvement generally does not take place unless a probation violation has been reported. Therefore, follow-ups for urinalyses may not be as frequent.
Drug Courts: Throughout the duration of drug court, defendants attend required and regular treatment sessions and court appearances as well as undergo random urinalyses.
Source: Utah Drug Courts available at http://www.utcourts.gov/drugcourts/
Drug Courts vs. Traditional Courts Reductions in Recidivism
Traditional: According to the United States Department of Justice, 45 percent of defendants convicted of drug possession will commit a similar crime within the next several years. In fact, the more often a defendant is arrested for a drug offense, the more likely they are to commit an additional offense.
Drug Courts: Drug court participants exhibit a lower recidivism rate ranging from five percent to 28 percent. The recidivism rate for drug court graduates is approximately four percent. Additionally, urinalysis reports for drug court participants are generally 90 percent negative.
Source: Utah Drug Courts available at http://www.utcourts.gov/drugcourts/
Drug Courts vs. Traditional Courts Emphasis on Long Term Recovery
Traditional: In many cases, drug addiction may not be the only problem faced by offenders. Poor reading skills, low levels of self-respect, and troubled family relationships are just a few of the issues offenders face outside of the courts. Traditional processes may refer offenders to treatment programs but follow up is not generally conducted.
Drug Court: Drug courts often recommend that participants develop skills and connections that will allow them to survive following treatment. For example, some programs suggest that participants attain their GED or develop ties with community mentors. Many Utah drug courts also encourage alumni groups so that the recovery process will continue after treatment ends.
Source: Utah Drug Courts available at http://www.utcourts.gov/drugcourts/
The 10 Key Components of Drug Courts1. Drug courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with
justice system case processing2. Using a nonadversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel
promote public safety while protecting participants’ due process rights3. Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the drug
court program4. Drug courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and other
related treatment and rehabilitation services5. Abstinence is monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing6. A coordinated strategy governs drug court responses to participants'’
compliance7. Ongoing judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential8. Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals
and gauge effectiveness9. Continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective drug court
planning, implementation, and operations10. Forging partnerships among drug courts, public agencies, and
community-based organizations generates local support and enhances drug court effectiveness
Source: National Drug Court Institute available at http://www.ndci.org/publications/ten-key-componets
Facts about Drug Court Success Drug Courts Reduce Crime FACT: Nationwide, 75% of Drug
Court graduates remain arrest-free at least two years after leaving the program.
FACT: Rigorous studies examining long-term outcomes of individual Drug Courts have found that reductions in crime last at least 3 years and can endure for over 14 years.
FACT: The most rigorous and conservative scientific “meta-analyses” have all concluded that Drug Courts significantly reduce crime as much as 35 percent more than other sentencing options.
Drug Courts Save Money FACT: Nationwide, for every $1.00
invested in Drug Court, taxpayers save as much as $3.36 in avoided criminal justice costs alone.
FACT: When considering other cost offsets such as savings from reduced victimization and healthcare service utilization, studies have shown benefits range up to $12 for every $1 invested.
FACT: Drug Courts produce cost savings ranging from $4,000 to $12,000 per client. These cost savings reflect reduced prison costs, reduced revolving-door arrests and trials, and reduced victimization.
FACT: In 2007, for every Federal dollar invested in Drug Court, $9.00 was leveraged in state funding.
Source: NADCP, Drug Courts Work, available at http://nadcp.org/learn/drug-courts-work
Facts about Drug Court Success + Drug Courts Ensure Compliance FACT: Unless substance
abusing/addicted offenders are regularly supervised by a judge and held accountable, 70% drop out of treatment prematurely.
FACT: Drug Courts provide more comprehensive and closer supervision than other community-based supervision programs.
FACT: Drug Courts are six times more likely to keep offenders in treatment long enough for them to get better.
+ Drug Courts Combat meth addiction
FACT: For methamphetamine-addicted people, Drug Courts increase treatment program graduation rates by nearly 80%.
FACT: When compared to eight other programs, Drug Courts quadrupled the length of abstinence from methamphetamine.
FACT: Drug Courts reduce methamphetamine use by more than 50% compared to outpatient treatment alone.
+ Drug Courts Restore Families FACT: Parents in Family Drug Court
are more likely to go to treatment and complete it.
FACT: Children of Family Drug Court participants spend significantly less time in out-of-home placements such as foster care.
FACT: Family re-unification rates are 50% higher for Family Drug Court participants.
Source: NADCP, Drug Courts Work, available at http://nadcp.org/learn/drug-courts-work
Numbers
There are more than 2,300 drug courts nationwide
More than 120,000 people will receive services in one year.
Source: NADCP, Types of Drug Courts, available athttp://www.nadcp.org/learn/what-are-drug-courts/models
Mental Health Courts
Definition of a Mental Health Court “The Current Working Definition of a Mental Health Court
is a court with a specialized docket for certain defendants with mental illnesses.9 These courts vary as to the types of charges and mental illness diagnoses accepted as well as the participants’ demographics and plea requirements, but they are united by the common themes of substituting a problem-solving model for traditional criminal court processing and an emphasis on linking defendants to effective treatment and sup- ports. In general, mental health court participants are identified through mental health screening and assessments and voluntarily participate in a judicially supervised treatment plan developed jointly by a team of court staff and mental health professionals. Incentives reward adherence to the treatment plan or other court conditions; non-adherence may be sanctioned, and success or graduation is defined according to predetermined criteria.”Source: Mental Health Court Research Guide, available at:
http://consensusproject.org/jc_publications/mental-health-courts-a-guide-to-research-informed-policy-and-practice
Essential Elements of a Mental Health Court1. Planning and administration2. Target population3. Timely participation identification and linkage
to services4. Terms of Participation5. Informed Choice6. Treatment supports and services7. Confidentiality 8. Court team9. Monitoring adherence to court requirements10. Sustainability Source: Mental Health Court Research Guide, Appendix A, available at:
http://consensusproject.org/jc_publications/mental-health-courts-a-guide-to-research-informed-policy-and-practice
Success from mental health courts Recidivism
Lower recidivism rates for those who participate in court supervised program over those who do not
Higher chance of success for those who complete the program compared to those who do not
Mental Health Outcomes Research indicates that these are more effective
with getting people help rather than traditional criminal justice system
Cost savings Lower recidivism means lower costs long term
Source: Mental Health Court Research Guide, available at: http://consensusproject.org/jc_publications/mental-health-courts-a-guide-to-research-informed-policy-and-practice
Training
NADCP Online
New York State Unified Court System http://e-learning.nycourts.gov/
Continue to next section…
SUPPORT SYSTEMS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL
Chapter VI
Department of Veterans Affairs Streamlined clinics PTSD Screening www.va.gov
Local Law Enforcement
Crisis Intervention Training http://www.nami.org
Anonymous help
MilitaryOneSource.com
Education Institutions
National Center for Veteran’s Studies University of Utah
Veteran’s Organizations
VFW American Legion
Identification
Self-Identification National Guard / Reserve Commands Community based
Continue to next section…
VETERAN’S COURT IN ACTION
Chapter VIII
Which Model?
Drug Court Model Mental Health Court Model Mixed model
Veteran’s with substance abuse issues Veteran’s with PTSD or TBI needs
Key Actors
Identification & Interaction
Most important step Problem with self-identification as a
veteran “Have you ever served in the military?” First interaction (LEO) Second interaction (detention) Third interaction (public defender) Fourth interaction (court)
Process
Criteria
Who is a veteran? Who qualifies for service “If you are a veteran, you get in” Combat veteran Diagnosable issue All offenders or non-violent offenses only
Intake
Judicial discretion Prosecutorial discretion Defense attorney’s recommendation
Supervision
Court monitoring Frequent contact Reports from VA Taking care to not abuse VA’s primary
responsibility (i.e. VA is not the enforcer)
Post-completion
Documentation Inter-agency communication
Repeat offenses?
What to do? May indicate a need to revise criteria for
treatment May indicate failure to receive
suppervision
Recap
Conclusion
Thank you!
top related