Attendees spent the day networking online, listening to keynote speakers talk about military experiences and leadership, and there were numerous breakout sessions throughout the day.

Break-out sessions focused on mental health, veteran’s services, veterans court education, veteran’s legal services, etc.

Judge Crystal A. Kocher of Pulaski Superior Court notes that “through grant funding and trainings like the Battlemind to Home Summit, the Indiana Supreme Court has continued to provide Pulaski County with the means to implement a veterans treatment court.”

The court provides treatment to veterans in the community and surrounding areas who have been charged with a crime. “Often the basis for these charges are underlying substance use and mental health diagnosis related to their service in the military,” Judge Kocher explained. “The purpose of our treatment court is to provide individual and intense services based on the identified risks and needs of each veteran to pursue a sustainable recovery that will allow the veteran to return to their role as productive members of their families and communities.”

Veterans Treatment Courts have proven to provide successful rehabilitation to veterans as they work through challenges upon their return from service. Additional services and resources are needed, community-wide, to truly help build human capacity, empathy and support for those who have served the country. These were many of the topics and themes touched upon at the summit.

“Pulaski County is home to around 1,029 veterans and some are in need of additional community, mental health, and legal supports,” said Dr. Natalie Tucker, Court Program coordinator. “Building a stronger veterans support system that provides access to needed services is vital to the well-being of our local veteran population and their families.”

For more information about the summit and helpful veterans related resources, visit https://www.mfri.purdue.edu/outreach-programs/battlemind-summit/