Veterans Treatment Court

Rowan County Veterans Treatment Court
27th Judicial District

Veterans of US Active-Duty Military, Reserves or the National Guard with a currently pending criminal case in Rowan County may be eligible to participate in our Veterans Treatment Court Program. Notify Court personnel, your Defense Attorney, or call Rowan County Veterans Services if you are interested in volunteering for the program.

Program Overview

The Rowan County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is designed to help justice-involved veterans overcome challenges related to substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and other barriers to successful community reintegration. The program is voluntary and provides structure, support, and supervision for veterans who are committed to positive change all while being judicially monitored.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Rowan County VTC is to enhance public safety by connecting justice-involved veterans with community resources to address substance use, mental & physical health issues, social support needs including veterans benefits and housing while holding the participant accountable for their actions.

Program Objectives

  1. Reduce veteran recidivism rates through rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
  2. Provide treatment and supportive services to address underlying causes of criminal behavior.
  3. Facilitate stable employment, housing, and long-term sobriety.
  4. Connect veterans with VA and community resources.
  5. Improve the lives of participants with substance use and/ or mental health disorders in the criminal justice system through the integration of intensive supervision, substance abuse treatment including alcohol and drug testing, mental health services, and case management services with criminal justice system processing. 

Components of Veterans Treatment Courts

The parties agree that the program will follow the 10 Key Components of Veterans Treatment Courts in which the respective agencies will work cooperatively. They are: 

  1. Veterans Treatment Court integrates alcohol, drug treatment, and mental health services with justice system case processing. 
  1. Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants' due process rights. 
  1. Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the Veterans Treatment Court program. 
  1. Veterans Treatment Court provides access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, mental health, and other related treatment and rehabilitation services.
  1. Abstinence and/or sobriety are monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing. 
  1. A coordinated strategy governs Veterans Treatment Court responses to participant compliance. 
  1. Ongoing judicial interaction with each Veterans Treatment Court participant is essential. 
  1. Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness. 
  1. Continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective Veterans Treatment Court planning, implementation, and operations. 
  1. Forging partnerships among Veterans Courts, public agencies, and community-based organizations generates local support and enhances Veterans Treatment Court effectiveness. 

Basic Roles and Responsibilities of the VTC Team

The success of the VTC depends on a collaborative team of professionals, each with a specific role.   These individuals are the foundation and governing body of the VTC Program:

  • Judge: Oversees Court sessions, imposes sanctions and rewards, and ensures the overall success of the program. The Judge is your Senior Commanding Officer.
  • Court Coordinator: Manages daily operations, collects progress reports, and facilitates team meetings. Like an Executive Officer aboard a vessel.
  • Defense Counsel: Advocates for participants and ensures their rights are protected. Think of them like a JAG Officer.
  • Assistant District Attorney: Reviews eligibility and monitors participants’ legal obligations. Think of them like a JAG Officer.
  • Probation Officer: Supervises participants, conducts home visits, and monitors compliance. They are much like a 1st Sergeant.
  • Veterans Case Manager: Serves as your primary point of contact with the VTC and works directly with Participants to establish plans, make referrals for assistance, and provides oversight of your progress.  The Case Manager is your immediate Senior NCO.
  • Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist (VJO): A VA employee who coordinates VA benefits and services for VTC participants. Much like a Warrant Officer with a unique role in the VTC.
  • Treatment Providers: Deliver treatment, counseling, and assessments. These are the clinicians in the VTC.
  • Veteran Volunteer Mentor Coordinator/ Mentors: Provide peer support and guidance based on shared life, military, or VTC experiences.  Think Mid-Level NCO.