NH Justice Involved Veterans Conference
June 12, 2015
Written Materials and Resources for
Veterans Treatment Courts1
Handouts from this conference will be available at the
Grafton County, NH website.
http://www.co.grafton.nh.us/all-departments/attorneys-office/resource-links/
The National Clearinghouse for Veterans Treatment Courts at the
National Association of Drug Court Professionals
What is a Veterans Treatment Court?
http://www.justiceforvets.org/what-is-a-veterans-treatment-court
From the Justice for Vets website: “Most veterans are strengthened by their military service, but the combat
experience has unfortunately left a growing number of veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and
Traumatic Brain Injury. One in five veterans has symptoms of a mental health disorder or cognitive
impairment. One in six veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
suffer from a substance abuse issue. Research continues to draw a link between substance abuse and combat–
related mental illness. Left untreated, mental health disorders common among veterans can directly lead to
involvement in the criminal justice system.
The Veterans Treatment Court model requires regular court appearances (a bi-weekly minimum in the early
phases of the program), as well as mandatory attendance at treatment sessions and frequent and random testing
for substance use (drug and/or alcohol). Veterans respond favorably to this structured environment given their
past experiences in the Armed Forces. However, a few will struggle and it is exactly those veterans who need
a Veterans Treatment Court program the most. Without this structure, these veterans will reoffend and remain
in the criminal justice system. The Veterans Treatment Court is able to ensure they meet their obligations to
themselves, the court, and their community.”
Recommended Publication:
The Ten Key Components of a Veterans Treatment Court
http://www.ndcrc.org/content/10-key-components-veterans-treatment-courts
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A notice regarding CLEs is posted at the end of this handout.
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Justice for Vets Website
www.justiceforvets.org
We recommend you review this website, which is full of resources and is often updated.
Veterans Treatment Courts in the media
The Justice for Veterans website has a section on Veterans Treatment Courts in the media.
http://www.justiceforvets.org/media
Interested in starting a veterans’ court?
Training Opportunities
Veterans Treatment Court Planning Initiative
http://www.justiceforvets.org/2015-vtcpi
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Publication: Dispatch from the Front Lines
This is a well done Justice for Vets publication. There are five issues to date.
http://justiceforvets.org/sites/default/files/files/Final%20Dispatch%20-%20VBA.pdf
Dispatch 1 - The VBA in Veterans Treatment Courts: Accessing the Full Range of Support
The first Dispatch focuses on the myriad of resources offered to justice-involved veterans through the Veterans
Benefits Administration (VBA), including disability compensation, education benefits and training services
such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E). Learn how to access VBA benefits and read real
stories of how connecting with the VBA has affected veterans in Veterans Treatment Courts.
Dispatch 2 - Veterans Treatment Courts Send Veterans Back to School
Dispatch 2 discusses the numerous education and training benefits offered by the VA, and gives guidance to
Veterans Treatment Courts to link participants to opportunities in higher education. Learn how to access
these benefits and read first-hand why Veterans Treatment Courts are playing a vital role in putting veterans
back in school.
Dispatch 3 - Veterans Service Organizations in Veterans Treatment Courts: Coming to the
Aid of Their Fellow Veterans
Dispatch 3 discusses the vital role Veterans Service Organizations play in Veterans Treatment Courts and how
to work with these organizations. Veterans Service Organizations provide veterans in court the opportunity to
interact with their fellow peers while receiving the help they need to connect with the numerous benefits and
resources at the local, state and federal level.
Dispatch 4 - State Departments/Commissions of Veterans Affairs: States Providing
Invaluable Assistance to Veterans Treatment Courts
Dispatch 4 provides Veterans Treatment Court practitioners a guide regarding the many benefits and
resources offered by their state and how to utilize these for Participants in court. These agencies are second
only to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in providing benefits and services to veterans.
Dispatch 5 - Veterans Treatment Courts and the U.S. Department of Labor: Putting
Veterans Back to Work
Dispatch 5 focuses on the vital role the U.S. Department of Labor has in Veterans Treatment Courts by
connecting participants to the training and employment resources they have earned. Learn what services and
resources are offered by the Department of Labor and read first hand why Veterans Treatment Courts are a
vital tool in the fight against veteran unemployment.
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The Veterans Behavioral Health Track in New Hampshire’s
9th Circuit Court, Nashua District Division.
The Veterans Behavioral Health Track in the 9th Circuit Court, Nashua District Division’s Mission
Statement:
“The Veterans Behavioral Health Track seeks to provide an effective and
meaningful alternative to the traditional criminal justice system for justice-involved
veterans and service members. Our goal is to promote prompt intervention,
education, treatment and recovery in order to improve the quality of the veteran’s
or service member’s life, reduce recidivism and improve community safety.”
From Nashua District Division program materials:
What is [The Nashua District Division’s] Veterans Behavioral Health Track? The Veterans
Behavioral Health Track was created by the court, the VA, behavioral health providers, prosecutors and
defense counsel in order to provide sentencing alternatives to V/SM with behavioral health issues who
are involved in criminal matters. The program integrates treatment into the resolution of the case. The
fundamental principle of the program is that V/SM who engage in criminal behavior due to their servicerelated behavioral health issues should undergo appropriate treatment in order to modify their behavior
and achieve recovery. Punishment, such as jail, alone has proven to be ineffective and inappropriate.
The program is run through the 9th Circuit Court and is administered by the VA and affiliated
service providers. Most cases are from the District Division; however, referrals on felony matters are
considered upon approval of the County Attorney’s Office and the Superior Court Judge.
Someone charged with a crime can enter the program on one of three tracks.
TRACK I – Placed on File Agreement
The prosecutor and V/SM charged with a criminal offense agree to continue the adjudication of
the case for a designated period of time, usually one (1) year. During this period the V/SM must
remain of good behavior and comply with their treatment plan. The case would not be
prosecuted if the V/SM remains in compliance.
TRACK II – Suspended or Deferred Sentence
After conviction the defendant is sentenced to jail and/or a fine. The sentence is suspended or
deferred for a designated period, usually one (1) year, during which the V/SM must remain of
good behavior and comply with their treatment plan. The incarceration in jail or fine would not
be imposed and the case closed if in compliance.
TRACK III – Bail Supervision
Certain conditions, including behavioral health and/or substance abuse treatment, are added as
conditions of bail pending trial. The V/SM charged with an offense would have to comply with
their treatment plan as well as all other conditions of bail.
For a complete copy of the Nashua District Division’s program manual, please go to
http://www.co.grafton.nh.us/all-departments/attorneys-office/resource-links/
Notice regarding CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credit.
Starting July 1, 2014, the NHMCLE does not approve or accredit CLE activities for the NH Minimum CLE
requirement. The provider believes this course meets the requirements of NH Supreme Court Rule 53 and may
qualify for 300 minutes* toward the annual NHMCLE requirement. We have certificates and written materials.
New Hampshire attendees must self-determine whether a program is eligible for credit, and self-report their
attendance.
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