Judge Crystal Kocher notes, “We are proud to be the recipient of yet another Veterans Treatment Court grant awarded by Indiana Office of Court Services. These grants provide our county the ability to continue to develop programs that will hold individuals accountable while providing treatment at a level that is not currently available in this county. Our team is working hard to ensure community safety and treatment for our veteran population, while bolstering treatment resources for every individual who comes through our criminal justice system.”

Pulaski County Superior Court has spent the past two years developing and researching problem solving courts with a focus on adult drug court and veterans court due to the growing drug abuse challenges that are found across the county but also in rural America. Locally, there has been an increase in those with military history enter the local justice system. This population includes individuals with service in the Army, Marines, National Guard, and Navy.

The local courts serve as a “revolving door” for those who consistently encounter the justice system. Problem Solving Courts (which includes Veterans Courts) works effectively to link Veterans with resources to help them confront sobriety; mental health; or other challenges they are facing as it stems for their military service.

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, the community, and surrounding counties and communities, with a much needed program and resources to further educational opportunities and rehabilitative treatment. Grant funding will be used to support a part-time coordinator for the program, training support, and funding to help support additional programmatic and educational components for the Veterans Treatment Court program.

Pulaski County Courts have been working to develop Veterans Treatment Court and other court related programs over the past year with the leadership

of Dr. Natalie Daily-Federer.

“Veterans Court has proven, nationally, to be the most effective way to support veterans who come into contact with the justice system and suffer from mental health and substance abuse due to trauma sustained from their time in military service,” said Dr. Daily-Federer. “There has been a tremendous amount of work put into developing and training for this highly intensive program. We want to help Veterans get the service and supports they need and deserve while also reducing recidivism rates.”