National Veterans treatment courts help veterans involved in the justice system due to mental health disorders, trauma, and substance use. Veterans Courts now exist in most states including Texas, Arizona, Michigan, California, New York, and Ohio.
Participants in the Veterans Treatment Court are referred to the program by their attorney, the prosecuting attorney, or other courts. Though participation in the program is voluntary, the Department of Veterans Affairs must approve participation eligibility. In cases such as domestic violence, additional approval for the veteran’s participation in the program must come from the victim.
Origins of Veteran Courts
The Veterans Court idea was first started in Buffalo, NY and seeks to address root-cause issues that these veterans may be facing and provides access to, as needed, court-ordered counseling, The Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court is located at Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court, 50 Delaware Avenue, Suite 250, Buffalo, New York 14202 and can be reached at 716-845-2697. Veterans Administration recommended counseling (i.e. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling, mental health counseling, and drug and alcohol counseling) as well as other treatment needs.
Participants in the Veterans Treatment Court may also be subject to other requirements of the court, such as random drug and alcohol testing and completion of community service and/or a work program.
Participants are also paired with volunteer mentors, who are veterans themselves, to give participants both a much-needed sounding board and an accountability partner in their journey through the program.
The program takes approximately one year to complete and the records of the veterans who successfully complete the program are sealed.
Leave No Veteran Behind – Veteran Helping Veteran
Veterans in the Veterans Treatment Court Program are required to participate in rehabilitative programs based on individual needs; to perform community service, and to stay out of trouble as part of their sentencing.
The goal of a mentor is to assist the veteran in becoming a law-abiding and productive citizen. No bond is as strong as the one that exists among those who have fought for their country. Having a fellow veteran to confide in and get their support and guidance helps them successfully complete the program. The mentor is a “battle buddy.”
Veterans who successfully complete the program have their cases discharged, charges dismissed and no record of conviction.
Role of Mentor
Learn as much as possible about the mentee’s personal and professional background and any current problems.
- Ensure mentee understands the court mandates and knows where to go for compliance and assistance.
- Establish a convenient one-on-one meeting schedule. Be sure to meet with mentee at each court appearance.
- Help mentee establish a structured schedule for making medical and VA appointments where warranted and fulfilling community volunteer requirements as mandated.
- Be a resource to the mentee for identifying community-based organizations like VA, Vets Center, etc.
- Always motivate mentee by:
- Highlighting their successes, strengths, skills, and knowledge
- Focusing on week-to-week progress
- Attending their graduation
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Veterans Treatment Court, a participant must meet the following requirements:
- Be a veteran or current member of the military;
- Have the desire to be admitted with a strong desire to be in the program and accept treatment;
- Appear to suffer from mental illness, alcohol or drug abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder, any of which appears to be related to military service, including without limitation, (there is something missing here) and readjustment to civilian life; and,
- If a victim is involved, the victim wants the veteran to participate in the program.
FAQ
Is there training involved?
Yes, after completing an application, undergoing a background check and being accepted, the mentor will be given training that will equip him/her for this new role as a mentor.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment will vary based on the needs of the veteran. Court is held every Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. and mentors should be available to come to court proceedings when their assigned veteran is on the calendar. In circumstances where a mentor is unable to make a court session with their veteran, it is recommended that another mentor be notified so that they can fill in for the assigned mentor. Typically, a veteran is in the program for 1-2 years.
Can anyone be a mentor?
One must be a veteran or active duty member of one of the branches of the United States Military, including Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard or the corresponding reserve branches of the aforementioned services or member of the National Guard.
Veteran Identity Theft Hotline
The VA has set up a special helpline for veterans who suspect they are victims of identity theft. Get the facts if you need help and call 1-855-578-5492 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. Because the Office of Personnel Management experienced a hack in 2014, veterans are more likely to be victims of ID theft than civilians. Veterans are also more likely to have shared personal information. Get help today.
Veterans Courts in the News
Fighting to get their lives back together: Butte aims to start a treatment court for military veteran offenders. More veterans returning home from warzones are getting in trouble with the law. And this is prompting the legal system to focus more on treatment rather than punishment.
A second chance for veterans. Veterans need a second chance at clean records for crimes committed with help from compassionate veteran judges and mentors.
Veterans court celebrates four graduates. Post-traumatic stress disorder often can be found at the root of addiction, making it even more difficult for veterans to transition back to civilian life. When legal trouble is stacked on top of those challenges, Brazoria County Veterans Court steps in to help.
Community Veterans Court serves those who have served us. We are inviting all veterans and active service members to take advantage of a unique opportunity to learn about the many resources available to them in our community.
Veterans Treatment Court created in Indiana County. A new program, especially for veterans, is being introduced in Indiana County, but don’t think it’s anything like another 25 percent discount on dinner at a local restaurant or a free ticket to a high school game.
Veterans courts could get a big boost if Congress passes this law. federal lawmakers are looking to expand these types of veterans treatment courts, which operate much like drug courts and other specialty courts for veterans who have committed crimes that can, in many cases, be traced back to struggles with PTSD, TBI and other issues related to military service.
Veterans invited to court resource day. Veterans Resource Day features dozens of agencies that will help connect local veterans with various community resources.
McLean County Veterans Court Seeks To Overcome Resistance Of Self-Reliance. Veterans court is staffed largely by those with military backgrounds, including Nick Pate, who is a case manager from the Center for Youth and Family Solutions in Bloomington. He said being a former Marine helps him connect with the veterans to ensure they stay on the right path.
Alleged victim says Peoria man accused of racial attack doesn’t deserve Veterans Court. The state says cases are ineligible for veterans court if the crime is an act of violence. One of Anderson’s charges is assault.
For Your Information
If you came to this site looking for city of Buffalo courts, here are some helpful contact numbers. We are not associated with any government agency, Mental Health Treatment Courts nor the city of Buffalo and this is only provided for informational purposes.
Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court
50 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 845-2623
Buffalo City Court
50 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 845-2600
Buffalo City Court Clerk’s Office
65 Niagara Square # 1308
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 851-5431
Buffalo City Court Criminal Records
Phone: (716) 845-2661
Housing Court Buffalo NY
50 Delaware Avenue
6th floor – Part 14
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 845-2642