Union County is steadily marching towards the establishment of a Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), designed to provide tailored support for veterans entangled in the judicial system. Through a partnership with AllRise, county employees have successfully completed the first wave of training to service this specialized court. The court's model pivots from a focus on punishment to one centered on healing, hope, and accountability, as Chief District Court Judge Erin S. Hucks underscored, “This court is not a courtroom of punishment, but a courtroom of hope, healing and accountability,” she told Union County News.
Contributing to the court's foundation, participants underwent a series of online courses and in-person workshops over two days. They aimed to rapidly learn to how to construct a strong VTC, providing the needed support for veterans battling substance use disorders and improving their teamwork. The training covers critical aspects of addressing the veterans' needs within the criminal justice framework, including substance abuse treatment, mental health care, employment, housing, and peer mentorship with an emphasis on reducing recidivism.
Various agencies participated in this initial training, reflecting a community-wide commitment, which included the Union County Government, law enforcement, legal representation from both public and private defense, health services, and organizations focused on veteran affairs. Michelle Marcano, Director of Veterans Services noted the collaborative spirit, “It was an honor that our Veterans Services Office was invited to be a part of this training,” she said, stating her enthusiasm in the program to Union County News.
The official rollout date for the VTC is yet to be announced, but the groundwork has been clearly laid to make a tangible impact in the lives of veterans within the justice system.
