“We are thankful for the support of our community and for the support of the Indiana Office of Court services in our pursuit to develop programs that address the addiction and mental health needs of local veterans,” said Judge Crystal Kocher. “Our committed team is working to keep our community safe and offer rehabilitation to the veterans who earned our respect and dedication by honorably serving our country when we needed them. Now, we are committed to honoring that sacrifice by providing rehabilitation services to those who need it and are willing to work for it.”

Pulaski County Superior Court’s VTC has been in operation for two years now with a number of participants involved and with four graduates who have completed the program. The PCVTC spent two years in the research and development phase which is the normal path for the development of a problem-solving court.

The program was developed due to the growing drug abuse challenges that are found across the county but also in rural America. Locally, there continues to be an increase in those with military history who enter the local justice system. This population includes individuals with service in the Army, Marines, National Guard and Navy. There continues to be a spike in substance abuse use and relapse as well, nationally and in rural communities.

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 from 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 is used to support a part-time coordinator for the program, treatment, resource development, 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 Tucker.

“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. Tucker. “We have built a great Veterans Court team that works hard to support veterans in this intensive program and to provide support to veterans who enter the justice system.”