Veterans Treatment Court

The Whitley County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) program began preparation in 2016 for the implementation of a Problem-Solving Court in Whitley County.  The Veterans Treatment Court has a purpose of helping participants achieve total abstinence from drugs and/or alcohol, address mental health issues, be diverted from prison or jail, and to have a more satisfying law-abiding life.  The Veterans Treatment Court is designed to reduce re-arrests, promote self-sufficiency through employment and education, and to help veterans remain in the community as a productive and responsible member of society.

The Veterans Treatment Court program is voluntary.  Veterans must want to participate in this program.  The judge, court staff, supervision officers, treatment counselors, and other team members will guide and assist each person, but the final responsibility is theirs.  The participants must be motivated to make these changes and commit to a totally sober and healthy life.

The program involves working jointly with the court, community supervision, treatment providers, the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefit Administration, veterans service organizations, service officers, and other key team members, all dedicated to the participant’s recovery.

It is important that the veteran understands the long-term commitment required by this program.  He/She will become involved with support group meetings, attend substance abuse treatment (if indicated), participate in mental health treatment (if indicated), be subject to strict community supervision, submit to random drug testing, and make regular appearances in court.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Whitley County Veteran’s Treatment Court (VTC) will provide services to felony and misdemeanor offenders who meet eligibility criteria as follows:

1. A diagnosable substance dependence and/or
2. A diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress and/or other non-psychotic mental health disorder and/or
3. A Traumatic Brain Injury that doesn’t result in an inability to benefit from treatment and/or
4. At least 18 years of age
5. A veteran or service member of any branch
6. A military discharge of “Honorable” or “General” (“Other Than Honorable” to be decided case by case)
7. Admission is authorized by the VTC Judge
8. A resident of Whitley County, or a county bordering Whitley County
9. An offense committed in Whitley County (Huntington County and Kosciusko County referrals also accepted)

 Those who are not eligible for participation include:

1.        Those with a serious mental illness (psychotic) or brain injury resulting in an inability to

benefit from treatment as determined by a DMHA (or certified, licensed, or accredited by an equivalent) mental health provider.

2.        Those with an offense outlining Sex Offenses, Murder, Dealing, Trafficking, Robbery, and

Batteries with a degree of Level 5 or higher. 

3.        Those with a pending criminal case in another jurisdiction.  An exception will be made

only if a referral has also been received from that county's prosecuting attorney.

Whitley County VTC will not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation.

Referral Process

Individuals may be referred to the Whitley County VTC a variety of ways; however, the Whitley County prosecutor (or the prosecutor from the originating county) will determine if an individual is suitable to be screened for possible program placement.  A Referral Form and completed Application must also be submitted.  Once that determination has been made, if permission is granted by the prosecutor, an appointment will be scheduled with the VTC coordinator and/or case manager to complete a screening interview and comprehensive assessment.  The defendant will also be informed of program rules, goals, and expectations.  That information is compiled and presented to the VTC team and VTC judge for official eligibility determination.  Eligibility documentation will then be filed with the court and the defendant and/or defendant’s attorney will be notified as well.

Individuals applying to the VTC may also need to schedule an appointment with the Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator (VJO) and/or the Veterans Service Officer (VSO), depending on his/her current status with the VA.  Veterans admitted to the VTC must meet eligibility guidelines outlined by the I.C. 33-23-16.

Veteran / Peer Mentors

The Veteran / Peer Mentor Program is an important part of the Veterans Treatment Court Program.  In addition to the VTC Team, a group of volunteers serve in the court as mentors.  These veteran / peer mentors will act as a coach, advisor, guide, role model, and advocate for you while you are in the program.  Mentors will be able to provide support for you in a way that only other veterans can.  Mentors must be a veteran of one of the branches of the US Armed Forces and are not members of the Veterans Treatment Court team.  They will not participate in discussions of your case(s) or make reports to the team regarding your progress.  Only in emergency situations will a mentor report to the team; however, mentors will encourage you to talk openly with the team about problems you are having or relapses in progress.  You are strongly encouraged to utilize the mentor program and interact with the volunteer mentors.  This could be your first step towards building a prosocial network.

  

 Whitley County Veterans Treatment Court Team

 Honorable Judge Douglas Fahl, Judge Whitley Superior Court

Honorable Antony Garza, Judge Whitley Superior Court

Elizabeth McIntosh, Coordinator

Amy Motter, Case Manager

Rita Wynn, Veterans Justice Outreach

Joshua Smith, Veterans Service Officer

Jennifer Patrick, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Haley Scribner, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Elizabeth Deckard, Defense Attorney/Public Defender

Nathan Lundy, Defense Attorney/Public Defender

Julie Jensen-Kelley, Deputy Director of Whitley County Community Corrections

Edward Beber, Chief Probation Officer

Brent Trammel, Whitley County Community Corrections Field Officer

Jonathon Stoffel, Whitley County Deputy Sheriff

Jaqueline Tlahuetl Argumedo, Bowen Health

Scott Valentic, Allendale Treatment Center Recovery Support Specialist

Brittney Schori, Whitley County Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences Educator

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