Judge Crystal Kocher of Pulaski Superior Court notes that “Veteran Treatment Courts are unique and extremely successful because a veteran mentor is assigned to each participant from the beginning of the program. This mentor initiates a support system that will eventually extend beyond the participant’s time in treatment court. The mentor provides an understanding of the participant’s past experience in the military, the difficulties with rejoining the community after military service, and encouragement and accountability for the participant during the treatment court process. It truly leaves no person behind.”

There will be a callout for mentors at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, in the activity room at the Pulaski County Public Library in Winamac. At this information meeting, potential mentors will learn about the Veterans Treatment Court, the mentor program, the expectations, requirements, and trainings.

Bill Kocher, a local retired military veteran, will be the mentor coordinator and work alongside Dr. Natalie Daily-Federer, Veterans Court Coordinator, to build the mentor program and provide support to the mentors.

“What we have learned from other Veterans Treatment Courts is that the mentor support is key to the success for the participant,” said Dr. Daily-Federer. “Participants need mentors to whom they can relate and share in military experience, which for some is the root of the challenges that have brought them into contact with the justice systems.”

Interested individuals need to attend the information session or reach out to Superior or Circuit Court for more information. This is a volunteer opportunity and consists of an application process and interview along with some trainings. Mentors also need to have military experience.

Pulaski County Courts (Superior and Circuit) have spent the past year developing and researching problem solving courts with a focus on adult drug court and veterans court. Locally, there has been an increase in those with military history entering the local justice system. This population includes individuals with service in the Army, Marines, National Guard, and Navy.

Many in this population have suffered the effects of military trauma which can manifest itself in criminal behavior, drug abuse, and mental health challenges. The court believes that developing a veteran’s court will provide this population, their families, our community, and surrounding counties and communities, with a much needed program and resources to further educational opportunities and rehabilitative treatment. The mentor program is one part of this intensive treatment program, but is one of the most vital aspects of the program.

Dr. Daily-Federer said they are looking into other ways that the community and individuals can take part in providing support and encourage to those who enter this court program.

For more information, contact Pulaski County Superior Court at 574-946-3371, or Pulaski County Circuit Court at 574-946-3851.