- The Berks County Veterans Treatment Court is a special, problem-solving court that provides comprehensive treatment and alternative sentencing options for our combat veterans who have honorably served their country.
- Through the collaborative efforts of the Treatment Court Judge, the District Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, the Veterans Health Administration, the Adult Probation Office, and fellow veteran mentors, combat veterans receive help for PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain injury), substance abuse, and mental health issues directly related to their combat experience.
- Veterans Court is a 12 to 22 month voluntary program that honors the service of our soldiers through regular bi-weekly interaction and court sessions before the Veterans Court Judge.
- You and your attorney fill out a Veterans Court application.
- You report to Veterans Court and observe a Veterans Court session.
- You meet with the Veterans Court Adult Probation Officer and the Veterans Justice Outreach social worker.
- You follow through with drug & alcohol or mental health treatment as recommended.
- You submit to regular drug testing.
- You are offered assistance with all life-stress issues, including homelessness, depression, employment, education, etc.
- You appear before the Veterans Court Judge on a bi-weekly basis to report your progress.
- Honorably discharged combat veterans from all wars and all branches of the military, including the reserves.
- Veterans suffering from combat-related PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain injury), mental health issues, and substance abuse problems, all of which resulted in criminal activity.
- Veterans who honestly want help, and are willing to submit to a lifestyle of total sobriety.
- Respect and dignity from the criminal justice system.
- A mitigated sentence and, in some cases, complete dismissal of your criminal charges.
- Comprehensive treatment and support from the Judge, the VA, and the treatment community.
- Mentorship and assistance from other recovering combat veterans.
- 500,000 returning soldiers suffer from PTSD or TBI (traumatic brain injury)
- 75% have substance abuse issues
- 67% have mental health problems
- 20% are homeless
- 18 commit suicide each day
**APO Jessica Naugle @ 610-478-3400 ext. 5491; jlbodor@countyofberks.com
**APO Jeffrey Starr (U.S. Army Major-retired) @ 610-478-3400 ext 5478; jstarr@countyofberks.com
treatment_court_application.pdf
TREATMENT COURT AGREEMENT: treatment court agreement mod v. 2017.9.pdf
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