Veterans Treatment Court Participant Handbook and Services/SJC_VTC... · Veterans Treatment Court...
Transcript of Veterans Treatment Court Participant Handbook and Services/SJC_VTC... · Veterans Treatment Court...
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Veterans Treatment Court St. Johns County....................................................................................... 2
Welcome and Introduction ................................ ................................................................................. 3
Benefits of Veterans Treatment Court................................................................................................ 3
Program Goals..................................................................................................................................... 4
Confidentiality .................................................................................................................................... 4
Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................... 4
Participant Rights ............................................................................................................................... 6
Participant Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 6
Supervision.......................................................................................................................................... 7
Alcohol and Drug Testing ................................................................................................................... 7
The VTC Team................................................................................................................................... 7
Veteran Mentors (Battle Buddies) ...................................................................................................... 8
Treatment Design ............................................................................................................................... 8
VTC Phases
Phase 1 (Honor) - Intake, Assessment, and Orientation (1-2 Months) .................................. 8
Phase 2 (Courage) - Stabilization, Assessment, and Treatment Planning (2-5 Months)...... 9
Phase 3 (Devotion to Duty) – Treatment (1-6 Months)............................................................ 9
Phase 4 (Integrity) - Relapse Prevention/Treatment Completion (1-3 Months) ................... 9
Phase 5 (Commitment) - Completion/Graduation Planning (1-3 Months) ......................... 10
Completion/Graduation............................................................................................................ 10
General Overview of Phases and Time Considerations
Misdemeanor ............................................................................................................................ 11
Felony ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Incentives and Sanctions
Incentives …............................................................................................................................... 13
Sanctions …................................................................................................................................ 14
Discharge ….............................................................................................................................. 15
Opportunities .................................................................................................................................... 15
Dress Code ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Court Schedule .................................................................................................................................. 16
Contact Information ......................................................................................................................... 16
Acknowledgement of Receipt of VTC Participant Handbook.......................................................... 17
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Veterans Treatment Court St. Johns County
Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to the St. Johns County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). This handbook is designed
to be an overview of what to expect as a participant in VTC. It provides a basic outline of the
probation/diversion treatment program and is a resource to turn to for the many questions you
may have as you move through the phases. You are expected to read the handbook and review it
often so you can easily comply with VTC’s mission of promoting a healthy and productive
lifestyle. As a participant of VTC, you will be expected to follow the instructions, follow all
supervision and program rules and, complete the treatment plan developed by you and your
assigned treatment provider. The court reserves the right, in each individual case, to make
discretionary decisions consistent with the law and public policy.
VTC is modeled after collaborative justice court programs, such as drug and mental health courts.
VTC, like drug and mental health courts, is designed to provide essential substance abuse and/or
mental health services to current and former military service members who become involved with
the criminal justice system. VTC focuses on cases where there is a nexus between the offense or
diagnoses and the veteran’s military service. These programs feature multiple interventions, a
collaborative approach to treatment and rehabilitation, drug/alcohol testing, regular court
appearances and educational opportunities. The program is intended to provide participants with
the skills necessary to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle and to reconnect with their families
and community.
VTC will provide eligible veterans with the opportunity to receive specialized substance abuse
and mental health treatment services, one-on-one veteran peer mentor support, and assistance in
gaining access to veteran healthcare and benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA). VTC will also include community supervision and frequent court case reviews; thus,
ensuring public safety and accountability. VTC, as with other problem-solving courts, requires
a non-adversarial courtroom atmosphere where dedicated multi-disciplinary teams work
together toward the common goal of breaking the cycle of addiction, self-destructive and anti-
social behavior, and criminal misconduct by addressing the veteran from a holistic perspective.
Benefits of Veterans Treatment Court
Improve access to VA benefits
Facilitate participant sobriety
Increase compliance with treatment and other court-ordered conditions
Improve family relationships and social support connections
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Improve life stability
Regain lost pride
Honor those who have served our nation by helping them resolve criminal charges
Reduce criminal recidivism
Program Goals
1. Provide each participant with a judicially-supervised treatment program using a variety
of methods and treatment options.
2. Promote the achievement of educational, employment, and social goals that promote a
healthy and productive lifestyle.
3. Help each participant become a productive citizen in our community.
4. Help each participant abstain from the abuse of substances by treating addiction and
other underlying factors, thereby reducing contact with the criminal justice system.
Confidentiality All VTC participant records are protected in accordance with federal and state laws. However,
participation in VTC requires your signature on a Release of Information. Your signature
authorizes the VTC team to discuss your case and progress as it relates to treatment. VTC team
members also sign confidentiality statements and are bound by such. Persons outside the VTC
team will not be provided confidential information about you or your progress unless an
emergency or legal circumstance requires release of information, such as:
Court order or formal program audit
Medical personnel handling a medical emergency
Participant commits or threatens to commit a crime
Participant is suspected of child or elder abuse
Participant is threatening suicide or homicide
Mission The mission of VTC is to provide an interagency, collaborative, non-adversarial treatment-
focused strategy for veteran defendants in the criminal justice system that were discharged
from the military under honorable or general under honorable conditions. The court may also
admit veterans with other characterizations of discharge on a case-by-case basis.
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VTC strives to assist veteran defendants, further referred to as “participants”, who suffer from
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), other psychological
conditions, sexual trauma, or substance abuse problems that are identified as service-related
conditions or that manifest themselves while the participant was in military service. All these
conditions are recognized by ASAM/DSM diagnoses criteria.
This court is designed to provide intensive supervision and treatment services for participants, as
well as to offer a peer support/mentoring program designed specifically to enhance recovery and
reduce recidivism rates for veteran offenders. VTC is appropriate not only to support those who
have served our country, but it also provides multilevel benefits to the community, including
monetary savings/cost avoidance and projected lower recidivism rates for VTC participants.
VTC strives to:
Divert qualified veterans from jail to court supervised treatment-based programs and
VA/community-based services;
Maintain treatment, benefits, supervision, and community support;
Provide qualified peer mentors who are also veterans;
Assist qualified veterans in obtaining adequate housing, employment (where possible),
and services to address collateral legal consequences; and
Promote public safety by treating and providing close supervision of participants.
The goals of these activities are to:
Reduce substance abuse and related criminal activity among participants;
Enhance community safety;
Provide resources and support to assist the participant in the acquisition of skills
necessary for the maintenance of sobriety;
Reward positive life changes while maintaining accountability for negative conduct;
Reduce reliance on incarceration;
Hold participants accountable for their actions;
Integrate substance abuse and mental health treatment with criminal justice case
processing;
Reduce the impact of drug and mental health disorder related cases on criminal justice
resources; and
Reintegrate the participant into civil society.
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Participant Rights All participants have the right to courteous, dignified and reliable delivery of service.
Participation in VTC is voluntary. If there are any program changes, participants will be
informed as soon as reasonable. Equal treatment and services will be delivered without regard to
age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, or physical disability.
Participant Responsibilities It is your duty to comply with your responsibilities as a participant in VTC. Failure to comply
with program conditions result in sanctions, including termination from the program. Listed
below are some of the responsibilities you must adhere to successfully graduate from the
program.
1. You must not violate any law;
2. You must not use or possess any controlled substance, dangerous drug, marijuana, or
prescription drug not specifically prescribed to you by lawful prescription with approval from
your treatment provider;
3. You must not consume or possess alcoholic beverages;
4. You must attend all court sessions and required appointments on time;
5. You must exhibit appropriate behavior in the courtroom as well as at all sessions,
appointments, meetings, and interactions with other participants and the team;
6. You must dress appropriately for court as well as for other VTC appointments;
7. You must comply with recommended medical, psychiatric, educational, vocational, or
substance abuse treatment programs, up to and including residential treatment, as directed;
8. You must submit to urinalysis or other drug testing, randomly and upon demand;
9. You must not leave the State of Florida without written permission from VTC Judge;
10. You must contact your community supervision/probation officer within 24 hours regarding
any change in address, telephone number, or employment;
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11. You must pay all fines, court costs, treatment fees, restitution costs, assessment fees, and
laboratory fees, as ordered; and
13. You must be respectful to yourself and others.
Supervision
You are required to meet with your assigned community supervision/probation officer as directed.
The frequency of these appointments depends on your progress in the program. Your
community supervision/probation officer will discuss the conditions of your supervision with you
and provide guidance as needed. VTC community supervision/probation officers may randomly
visit your home and/or work. You may also be required to be monitored electronically (via ankle
bracelet, handheld device, alcohol monitor, etc).
Alcohol and Drug Testing
It is the goal of VTC to help you maintain sobriety not only to succeed in the program, but also to
succeed in life after the program. Therefore, the program will include frequent and random
drug/alcohol testing. You may be required to pay fees associated with testing. If you fail to
appear for a test or cannot provide a specimen, this is a violation of the program that may result in
a sanction.
The VTC Team The VTC team is the decision-maker for the program and its participants. The VTC team makes
decisions regarding the participant’s progress in the program, which include incentives,
sanctions, phase changes, and graduation or termination. The VTC team is made up of many
members including, but not limited to, VTC Judge, VTC Coordinator, State Attorney, Public
Defender, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Corrections/Probation, and substance
abuse and mental health treatment providers.
The VTC team meets prior to each scheduled court session to discuss and review all participant
progress. The team will make recommendations to the judge in the best interest of the
participant, regardless of personal or professional disagreements or challenges. Furthermore,
each veteran participant must be afforded his or her right to a hearing on the issues. After
staffing is completed, the judge will conduct a review hearing with scheduled participants and
address each participant individually with his or her attorney and mentor present.
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Veteran Mentors (Battle Buddies)
Veteran Mentors/Battle Buddies act as coaches, guides, role models, and advocates for the
participants throughout the program. This includes listening to the concerns, making general
suggestions, and serving as a support system. Mentors will typically be a veteran having served
in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or their corresponding Reserve and
Guard branches.
Veteran Mentors are not direct members of the VTC Team. They will not participate in pre-
hearings where participant progress is discussed. However, mentors will encourage participants
to talk openly with the team about their difficulties including relapse. You are strongly
encouraged to utilize the mentor program and interact with your mentor. However, your mentor
is not a source of financial support and should not be taken advantage of.
Treatment Design The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide treatment services to participants. The
VA will work with the participant to address needs and build upon strengths. The frequency of
treatment is based on the participant’s individualized treatment plan in conjunction with the
participant’s current phase within the program.
VTC Phases
VTC is a five-phase, structured treatment program emphasizing accountability and personal
responsibility. The program is six months to twenty-four months in duration. Each phase
consists of specified treatment objectives, therapeutic and rehabilitative activities and specific
requirements for advancement into the next phase. The core components for each phase
described below.
Phase 1 Honor - Intake, Assessment, and Orientation (1-2 Months)
Phase 1 expects participants to display honor by showing up and being honest. In this phase,
the participant will become familiar with the program, treatment, and individualized
conditions of community supervision. In Phase 1, participants will be assigned a VTC
Coordinator/Probation Officer. The participant will be advised of the conditions of VTC to
include the standard conditions listed below. Participants will have an opportunity to ask
questions before moving forward with obligations.
1. Remain free of illegal substances and alcohol. Participant will be subject to frequent,
random tests for alcohol and drugs.
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2. No new arrests since admission to the VTC.
3. Report to VTC Coordinator/Probation Officer as directed.
4. Attend all scheduled court events as directed.
5. Maintain routine contact with VTC Mentor.
6. Cooperate with the VTC Team.
Phase 2 Courage - Stabilization, Assessment, and Treatment Planning (2-5 Months)
Participants demonstrate courage by attending evaluations, treatment, and educational courses
while gaining insight into establishing new and appropriate responses to old detrimental
behaviors. The VTC Team will develop a written plan for the participant specifying services to be
utilized to meet each goal. Phase 2 will conclude when the participant is engaged and cooperating
with treatment and other VTC requirements. Rewards and sanctions during Phase 2 will be
agreed upon by the VTC Team.
Phase 3 Dedication to Duty – Treatment (1-6 Months)
At this stage, participants demonstrate dedication to duty by abiding court requirements. The
participant’s level of personal responsibility and accountability increases. Group and
individual treatment sessions help the participant better understand his/her triggers and
develop appropriate responses. At this juncture, participants will become fully engaged in VA
medical services and mentor services. The participant continues weekly appointments with the
VTC Coordinator/Probation Officer. The objective of Phase 3 is continued stabilization and
(re)integration into the community. Rewards and sanctions during Phase 3 will be agreed upon
by the VTC team.
Phase 4 Integrity - Relapse Prevention/Treatment Completion (1-3 Months)
In Phase 4, the participant will demonstrate integrity by adhering to program principles and
encouraging other participants to do the same. This phase will also focus on relapse prevention
while coping with stressful situations. Integrity will mean making good life choices which results
in healthy relationships with family, friends, employers, neighbors, etc. Phase 4 is the final phase
of intensive outpatient treatment. Once completed, participants will transition to aftercare
services as described in the next phase. This phase will begin to prepare participants to transition
to self-sufficiency with continued mentor support. The participant’s frequency of reporting will
be decreased. Rewards and sanctions during Phase 4 will be agreed upon by the VTC Team.
Phase 5 Commitment - Completion/Graduation Planning (1-3 Months)
By Phase 5, the participant must demonstrate ongoing commitment to complete treatment and
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maintain a healthy, stable lifestyle. The participant must strive for continued positive change
and personal improvement. The participant will be reporting one time per month and preparing
for graduation from VTC.
Completion/Graduation
If the participant is fully compliant, he/she will receive special graduation recognition. After
graduating, the participant will no longer be required to report to the VTC Team, but is
encouraged to do so. Graduation is a reward for being a courageous, honorable, dedicated,
and committed person of integrity. However, the VTC Team is still here for you. You can
visit team members or attend court. You are always welcome!
If the participant is mostly compliant, but unable to fully complete conditions of VTC, the team
may opt to complete the veteran from the program without the formal graduation.
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General Overview of Phases and Time Considerations
Misdemeanor
Phase 1
Orientation/
Assessment
Acute
Stabilization
Phase II
Clinical
Stabilization
Ongoing
Treatment
Phase III
Transition/
Graduation
Prosocial
Habilitation
Phase IV
Adaptive
Habilitation
Relapse
Prevention/
Treatment
Completion
Phase V
Continuing
Care Program
Completion
Graduation
Planning
Characteristics Full mental
health &
substance abuse
assessment. Set
individual
program goals
and treatment
plan with VTC
team.
Demonstration
of active
participation
and compliance
in the treatment
program.
Greater degree
of oversight by
program
management
and health
professionals.
Full immersion
in treatment and
participation in
supervision,
with regular
review of
treatment plan
and goals.
Move toward
program
completion, by
starting a
“master plan”
to describe
post-graduation
goals and
objectives, and
to serve as the
basis for a
request to
graduate.
Embrace return
to community
with clean,
sober,
productive
lifestyle.
Complete
community
service and
court related
financial
obligations.
Contact with: Judge/ Judicial
Docket
Bi-weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Monthly Monthly
VTC
Coordinator
Weekly Weekly Weekly Bi-weekly Bi-weekly
VJO/VA/VA
Contract
As Directed As Directed As Directed As Directed As Directed
Mentor As Required As Required As Required As Required As Required
Substance
testing:
Alcohol/drugs
Semi-
weekly/random
Weekly/random Weekly/random Bi-
weekly/random
Bi-
weekly/random
Months: 1-2
*14-days clean
& sober
2-4
*30-days clean
& sober
1-3
*90-days clean
& sober
1-2
*90-days clean
& sober
1
*90-days clean
& sober
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Felony
Phase I
Orientation/
Assessment
Acute
Stabilization
Phase II
Clinical
Stabilization
Ongoing
Treatment
Phase III
Transition/
Graduation
Prosocial
Habilitation
Phase IV
Adaptive
Habilitation
Relapse
Prevention/
Treatment
Completion
Phase V
Continuing
Care Program
Completion
Graduation
Planning
Characteristics Full mental
health &
substance abuse
assessment. Set
individual
program goals
and treatment
plan with VTC
team.
Demonstration
of active
participation
and compliance
in the treatment
program.
Greater degree
of oversight by
program
management
and health
professionals.
Full immersion
in treatment and
participation in
supervision,
with regular
review of
treatment plan
and goals.
Move toward
program
completion, by
starting a
“master plan” to
describe post-
graduation goals
and objectives,
and to serve as
the basis for a
request to
graduate.
Embrace return
to community
with clean,
sober,
productive
lifestyle.
Complete
community
service and
court related
financial
obligations.
Contact with: Judge/Judicial
Docket
Bi-weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Monthly Monthly
Probation
Officer
Weekly Weekly Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly
VJO/VA/VA
Contract
As Directed As Directed As Directed As Directed As Directed
Mentor As Required As Required As Required As Required As Required
Substance
testing:
Alcohol/drugs
Semi-
weekly/random
Weekly/random Weekly/random Bi-
weekly/random
Bi-
weekly/random
Months: 2
*14-days clean &
sober
4-5
*30-days clean
& sober
5-6
*60-days clean
& sober
2-3
*90-days clean
& sober
2-3
*90-days clean
& sober
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Incentives and Sanctions
Incentives:
VTC recognizes the effort it takes to improve behaviors, choices, and lifestyles. With that in
mind, VTC recognizes all markers of success; even if in a small way. VTC is proud to support
progress and do our part to keep spirits lifted as participants travel down the road to change.
Examples of behaviors/accomplishments that lead to incentives are included below.
Behaviors/Accomplishments Possible Incentives/Responses
1 day clean and sober
Multi-day clean and sober
Assisting others (community service)
Continuous compliance with
instructions
Infraction/Violation free for 60+ days
Increased contact with family
Obtaining employment
Maintaining employment
Obtaining driver’s license
Obtaining GED or degree
Perfect attendance
Phase completion/advancement
Progress in treatment
Applause
Books
Candy
Coffee with the
judge and team
Curfew
extension /
removal
Sobriety tokens
Early phase
advancement
Fishbowl
drawings
Praise from
judge
Recognition
certificate
Recommendation
letter for job
Reduction of
community
service hours
Early dismissal
from court
Gift certificate
Approval for
travel
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Sanctions:
If participants fail to comply with conditions of VTC, the VTC Judge may order one or more of
the following sanctions. Examples of infractions that lead to sanctions are listed below. This is
not a complete list and only represents possible sanctions, which may be imposed.
Infractions/Violations Possible Sanctions
Behavioral issues (poor attitude and/or
being disruptive)
Providing a dilute/altered drug screen
Failing to submit to drug screen
Failing to attend or being tardy for
scheduled events- court, AA, NA,
appointments, etc.
Failing to engage in services with
mentor
Failing to follow counselor/case
manager instruction
Failing to follow court instructions
Failing to submit AA/NA meeting
slips
Leaving the county without approval
Lying or deliberately omitting
information to/from the court
Positive drug screen
Filling prescribed medication without
authorization
Serious Infractions/Violations (May result
in termination from VTC)
Engaging in a romantic/sexual
relationship with another VTC
participant
Possession and/or use of synthetic
drugs
Violence or threats of violence
Tampering with drug screen
Submitting falsified documents
New criminal arrest/offense
Days in jail
Phase demotion
Phase extension
Admonishment by VTC Judge
Additional community service hours
Write an essay
Increased court appearances
Increased frequency of supervision
appointments
Increased frequency of drug screens
Verbal or written apology
Fines
Electronic monitoring
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Discharge:
Should a participant be discharged from VTC for non-compliance, the VTC Judge will enter an
order reactivating the criminal case for formal prosecution.
Opportunities The program offers you an opportunity to address your problems/issues and possibly avoid
incarceration. You will have the chance to increase the quality of life for you and those you care about.
The VTC Team is there to assist you and wants to see you succeed. If you take advantage of the
assistance offered, you will discover many ways to make a better life for yourself. Change is never
easy; it will take commitment, dedication, self-control, perseverance and hard work. The VTC Team
will provide you with the support and referrals necessary to help you begin making positive changes in
your life.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
Your treatment plan will include some or all of the following components:
Abstinence from illegal drugs and alcohol
Medication compliance
Participation in a substance abuse treatment program
Participation in a behavioral health treatment program
Participation in self-help group or program
Intensive or supportive case management services
Supported or structured housing
Education services
Employment or Vocational Rehabilitation
Regular appointments with a VA case manager
Regular appointments with a psychiatrist
Psycho-social or recreational program
Dress Code All VTC participants are expected to wear proper attire when attending supervision appointments,
court, treatment, counseling and/or another VTC related events. While attending court, you may
not wear sleeveless shirts including muscle and tank tops. In addition, please make sure you
remove your hat and wear shoes at all times.
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Prohibited items include the following:
No shorts
No clothes advertising or promoting things of a sexual nature
No clothes advertising or promoting drugs and/or alcohol
No shirts revealing chest or stomach
No bathing suits, sleep attire, or other beach/gym attire
Court Schedule Court schedule will be published on an annual basis and is subject to change.
Contact Information For more information about VTC, please contact:
St. Johns County Veterans Treatment Court
c/o VTC Coordinator
Court Administration, Seventh Judicial Circuit
Richard O. Watson Judicial Center
4010 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 827-5626
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Acknowledgement of Receipt of VTC Participant Handbook
I, _____________________________________________ (print), acknowledge that I have
received a copy of the VTC participant handbook. I have read the handbook and
understand all terms and conditions of Veterans Treatment Court.
Signature of Defendant_ Date Signed:
Name/firm of Defense Counsel:
Signature of Defense Counsel Date Signed:
Please submit signed acknowledgement to the VTC Coordinator signifying receipt of the
handbook before or during the participant’s first VTC hearing.