OUR PURPOSE
The Ada County Veterans Treatment Court provides an opportunity for certain criminally involved veterans to receive treatment and support in the community rather than in a correctional facility.
WHAT IS THE VETERAN’S TREATMENT COURT
Veterans Treatment Court is structured after the treatment court model and is a partnership between Ada County, the Court, the Prosecuting Attorney, the Public Defender, Treatment Professionals, the Veterans Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Corrections and Law Enforcement representatives . Members of the Veterans Court Team hold weekly team meetings and court hearings with a focus on holding veterans accountable while providing closely court monitored comprehensive treatment.
Veterans Treatment Court is an intensive treatment program with regular court appearances before a judge and regular home visits by probation and parole officers. Treatment includes drug testing, individual counseling and group counseling. The program length, determined by each participant’s progress, will not be less than 14 months. The treatment program has four phases that are based completion of treatment goals. As participants progress, they are granted increased permissions and responsibilities.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Veterans Treatment Court may be an option for individuals who:
- have served in the United States Armed Forces in some capacity, as defined by federal law;
- have felony drug/alcohol charges or other criminal charges which are closely related to substance abuse or mental illness or other treatable conditions; and
- are Ada County residents.
Additional screening and review must then be conducted to determine whether the case is appropriate for the program. An attorney can provide advice on whether to participate in the program and guidance through the application process.
Veterans Treatment Court may NOT be available to individuals that:
- have a felony criminal record for violence,
- have been convicted of a serious drug dealing offense,
- have a criminal record that includes a sex offense.
Please contact us to see if you qualify. VTC Ada County Veterans Treatment Court Referral Form
Veterans Court Judge
Judge Lynn Norton presides over Veteran’s Court.
GRADUATION SCHEDULE
Additional Program Information
Veterans Courts Have Better Outcomes and Save Taxpayer Money.
Research has shown that treatment court participants have lower rates of repeat offenses (recidivism) compared to similar probationers. Treatment courts present a lower cost to taxpayers while reducing prison populations and helping participants resume productive, healthy roles in the community.
Become a Mentor
An important component of Veterans Treatment Court is the Veteran Mentor Program. Under the guidance of the Veteran Mentor Coordinator, each veteran is matched with a volunteer veteran mentor that provides support and camaraderie through the entire program. Each mentor pledges to spend at least 1 hour per week mentoring program participants.
Veteran Mentors Oath:
I am forever conscious of every Veteran under my charge, and by example, I will inspire him or her to the highest standard possible. I will strive to reintegrate my Veteran back into the community. I will live by the creed “I will leave no Veteran behind and will give them the support that only I, a fellow Veteran can give. I will never forget that I am responsible to my fellow Veterans, the Veterans Treatment Court, and the Law.”
Mentoring Video:
Questions? Please contact:
Michael Hubbard, Veteran Mentor Coordinator, Email, 208-287-7670.
Mentor Program Documents
Resources
Contact Us
Marreen Burton, Problem Solving Court Manager: [email protected], 208-287-7670
Sarah Kearney, Veterans Justice Outreach Officer: [email protected], 208-971-7292
Nikole Watkins, Veterans Justice Outreach Officer: [email protected], 208-422-1000 Extension 4202
Michelle Padgett, State Service Officer: [email protected], 208-780-1380
John Lidgard, Sr. Probation Officer: [email protected], 208-605-4607
Ada County Public Defender’s Office: 208-287-7400