BUILDING YOUR VETERAN COMMUNITY COALITION

BUILDING YOUR VETERAN COMMUNITY COALITION Ken Moore: Rochester Veterans Court Craig Prosser: Tulsa Veterans Treatment Court

WHY ARE YOU HERE? GUIDANCE HOW TO WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE WHAT WORKS/DOESN T/NEW THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX OUTREACH

VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS A.L. V.F.W. V.V.A. D.A.V. N.A.B.VETS W.V.O. Many Others

VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS CAN HELP DISABILITY CLAIMS PROVIDE MENTORS FOR THE COURT HELP FUND MENTOR PROGRAM FOOD PANTRIES CLOTHING REFERRALS

MILITARY COMMUNITY CENTERS They provide resources and support to Military Members and Families in the community closest to where they live.

MILITARY COMMUNITY CENTERS CONT. In each state, there is a State Family Program Director and one to four Wing Family Program Coordinators in support of the families. There are also Family Readiness Groups/Key Volunteer Groups, Family Readiness Assistants, Family Assistance Staff. https://www.jointservicessupport.org/default.aspx

COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES PROVIDES EMERGENCY SHELTER, FOOD STAMPS AND MONIES FOR LIVING EXPENSE.

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER PROVIDES LEGAL DEFENSE TO VETERAN DEFENDANTS IN COURT AT NO EXPENSE TO THE VETERAN.

PRE-TRIAL SERVICE PRE-TRIAL SERVICES PROVIDES QUALITY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND ALTERNATIVES TO DENTENTION FOR PERSONS ACCUSED OF CRIMES TO THE VETS COURT JUDGE.

OFFICE OF PROBATION PROVIDE PROBATION SERVICES TO THOSE ON PROBATION AND THOSE WHO WILL BE ENTERING PROBATION FROM VET COURT. ADVISES VETCOURT JUDGE AS TO THE DEFENDENTS PROGRESS ON PROBATION.

SHERIFF DEPARTMENT, CITY POLICE AND VILLAGE POLICE INFORMS VETERANS ARRESTED AS TO THE EXISTENCE OF VETS COURT AND PROVIDES CONTACT INFORMATION. SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ALSO HAS A PRESENCE IN COURT FOR SECURITY.

COUNTY OR STATE VETERANS SERVICE AGENCIES PROVIDES COUNSELING IN COURT ON VETERAN S BENEFITS THAT MAY BE DUE TO THE VETERAN DEFENDANT FOR THEIR SERVICE IN THE MILITARY AND SETS APPOINTMENTS FOR REVIEW AND FILE CLAIM.

STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR DEPARTMENT OF LABOR HAS A PRESENCE IN COURT TO HELP VETERAN DEFENDANTS FIND A JOB. Local Veterans Employment Service Representatives (LVER) Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP)

PRIVATE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS PROVIDES TREATMENT FOR VETERANS WHO ARE NOT VA QUALIFIED.THIS SERVICE IS PAID BY VETERAN OR PRIVATE HEALTH CAR INSURANCE AND ACTS AS THE VETERANS CASE MANAGER.*

DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS QUALIFIES VETERANS FOR VA SERVICES HEALTH BENEFITS HOUSING- HOME LOAN, SUPPORTED EDUCATION BENEFITS DISABILITY & COMPENSATION BENEFITS MORE!

VETERANS OUTREACH CENTER PROVIDES CASE MANAGEMENT FOR VETERANS WHO ARE VA QUALIFIED. REPORTS TO COURT AT EACH APPEARANCE AS TO VETERANS PROGRESS.

VET CENTER PROVIDES COUNSELING FOR: COMBAT VETERANS MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA VETERANS FAMILIES OF DECEASED SERVICE MEMBERS

OUTSIDE THE BOX HAVE YOUR JUDGE HOST A COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP MEETING WITH ALL TYPES OF: SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS CHURCHES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GET CONTACT INFORMATION FOR EACH ONE!

OUTSIDE THE BOX VETERANS DAY PARADE DO YOU PARTICIPATE? WHO ARE YOU NEXT TO? DISABLED VETERANS? PASS OUT FLIERS

OUTSIDE THE BOX VETERANS HOMELESS STAND DOWN? MEDIA SUCCES STORY LOCAL POLITICIANS SERVE LUNCH WORK THE EVENT

OUTSIDE THE BOX VETERANS COUNSIL VSO s VA MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS LOCAL RESERVE & NATIONAL GUARD UNITS STATE VETERANS DEPARTMENT OTHERS

QUESTINS??? KEN MOORE kmoore@monroecounty.gov 585-753-6987 Craig Prosser Craig.prosser@tulsavtc.com 918-588-8418

Dispatch from the Front Lines The National Clearinghouse for Veterans Treatment Courts at the National Association of Drug Court Professionals June 2012 Justice For Vets Veterans Treatment Courts Send Veterans Back to School By Matt Stiner, M.P.A. Director, Justice For Vets Veterans Treatment Courts have emerged as a vital tool in the fight against veteran unemployment by connecting veterans to the education and training benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is critical for Veterans Treatment Court personnel to be aware of the many VA education and training benefits available to veterans. Justice For Vets provides the following Dispatch to briefly summarize VA education and other federal benefits and instruct courts on connecting veterans to opportunities in higher education. The majority of Americans who serve in the Armed Forces are strengthened by their military service. Attention to detail, self-discipline, problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making in stressful situations are qualities that make service members an invaluable part of the American workforce. Some veterans have difficulty finding employment when they transition to civilian life because they struggle to translate their military experience into applicable job skills. However, some veterans have difficulty finding employment when they transition to civilian life because they struggle to translate their military experience into applicable job skills. With the assistance of VA education benefits, veterans participating in Veterans Treatment Courts are attending higher education and vocational training institutions to learn new job skills to enter the workforce. Real Stories of Veterans in College due to Veterans Treatment Courts Many veterans across the nation are attending college thanks to the connections made during their participation in a Veterans Treatment Court. Many veterans across the nation are attending college thanks to the connections made during their participation in a Veterans Treatment Court. David is a two-tour Iraq combat Marine veteran and graduate of a Veterans Treatment Court. During his participation in the Veterans Treatment Court, he began using the Post 9-11 GI Bill at the local community college where he also advised other student veterans on the benefits for which they may qualify. www.justiceforvets.org Dispatch 1

David later enrolled in a state university where he graduated with a degree in Health Science, focusing on Substance Abuse Counseling. Emily is an Army Combat Medic veteran who currently participates in a Veterans Treatment Court. When Emily entered the court she was unemployed and not receiving any VA benefits or services. With the help of the court, she connected with the veterans program coordinator at her local community college. Emily began using the Montgomery GI Bill to pay for school, where she also works in the veterans office on campus in a VA work study program enrolling student veterans in classes. The Seven Types of VA Education Benefits Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) (Chapter 30) The MGIB-AD program provides up to 36 months of educational benefits to qualifying veterans. This benefit may be used for degree or certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/ on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable up to 10 years following release from active duty. 1 Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Act of 2008, otherwise known as Chapter 33, provides up to 36 months of educational benefits for qualifying veterans. This benefit may be used for graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the-job training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and national testing programs, entrepreneurship training and tutorial assistance. Generally, benefits are payable for up to 15 years following release from active duty. 2 ans are entitled to a percentage of the following: 1 Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2011. Veterans Benefit Administration. 6 Feb. 2012 http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/montgomery_gibill/active_duty.html 2 The Post 9/11 GI Bill U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2012. Veterans Benefit Administration. 6 Feb. 2012 http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/index.html expensive, in-state undergraduate program or the national cap (paid by the VA directly to the school) allowance for housing at the E-5 with dependents rate for the zip code of the school the veteran is attending (paid to the veteran) per year (paid to the veteran) individuals relocating from rural areas 3 Yellow Ribbon Program Currently, the Post 9/11 GI Bill tuition is capped at either the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate and fees may exceed these amounts if the veteran is attending a private school or is attending a public school as a nonresident student. Institutions of higher education may elect to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to make additional funds any additional charge to his/her GI Bill entitlement. Schools that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon agreement with the VA, choose the amount of tuition and fees that will be contributed. The VA will match that amount and issue payment directly to the school, dollar-for-dollar. 4 Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) (Chapter 1606) This program may be available to members of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. 5 3 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs., The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (2010), available at http:// www.gibill.va.gov/documents/pamphlets/ch33_pamphlet.pdf. 4 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs., The Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program (2010), available at http://www.gibill. va.gov/documents/pamphlets/yellow_ribbon_pamphlet.pdf. 5 Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2011. Veterans Benefit Administration. www.justiceforvets.org Dispatch 2

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607) REAP (Chapter 1607 of title 10, U.S. Code) is an education program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), and National Guard, who were called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency as declared by the President or Congress. The reserve components consist of Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army IRR, Air Force IRR, Navy IRR, Coast Guard IRR and Marine Corps IRR. 6 Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32) Chapter 32, VEAP is available if the veteran first entered active duty service between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and elected to make contributions from his/her military pay to partici- were matched at a ratio of 2:1 by the government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. 7 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31) (VR&E) mission is to help veterans with serviceconnected disabilities with a rating of at least 10 percent, or a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more, to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. Some veterans in Veterans Treatment Courts suffer from service-connected conditions that prevent them from seeking or gaining employment. After the veteran receives a disability rating, they are eligible for programs such as VR&E. On-thejob training, apprenticeships, college, vocational, technical or business schools are paid for by this program while the veteran receives supportive rehabilitation services such as case management and counseling. 8 The Role of Veterans Treatment Courts Connecting Veterans to the Education they have Earned Many veterans who enter Veterans Treatment Courts are eligible for VA education benefits such as the Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. In addition, some states offer education benefits in addition to, or that supplement VA education benefits. For example, in Texas, the Hazelwood Act provides veterans with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition and fee exemptions at state supported colleges and universities. 9 Many veterans who enter Veterans Treatment Courts are eligible for VA education benefits such as the Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. In addition, some states offer education benefits in addition to, or that supplement VA education benefits. education benefits by including representatives from the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) on the treatment court team. In addition, Veteran Mentors and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations and State Departments/ Commissions of Veterans Affairs are generally present in court to assist. contact with the veterans program coordinator located at the college/university to make referrals for veterans in court. Many institutions of higher education have veterans program coordinators 6 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs., Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (2005), available at http://www. gibill.va.gov/documents/pamphlets/ch1607_pamphlet.pdf. 7 Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2011. Veterans Benefit Administration. 6 Feb. 2012 http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/ other_programs/veap.html 8 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2011. Veterans Benefit Administration. 6 Feb. 2012 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/ index.htm 9 Hazelwood Texas Veterans Commission. 2012. 6 Feb. 2012 http://texas-veterans.com/education/hazlewood www.justiceforvets.org Dispatch 3

ans office/department and are the first point of contact for veterans. Veteran program coordinators oversee services such as VA education benefits counseling, employment assistance, financial aid and tuition assistance, and/or registration and enrollment assistance. For those institutions of higher education that do not have a veterans program coordinator, the first point of contact which assists with VA education benefits. 10 lege campus to explore what services and resources are offered to veterans. Colleges/ universities may have centers for veterans on campus, career centers, guidance councilors, for students with learning disabilities. In addition, some institutions of higher education have the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The VUB Program is free and designed to help veterans refresh their academic skills to prepare for postsecondary education. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction in the core subject areas. 11 Through collaboration, Veterans Treatment Courts and institutions of higher education increase graduation rates, enrollment, and create educated, productive citizens out of those who would otherwise be incarcerated. To learn more about how Veterans Treatment Courts can connect veterans to higher education, visit www.justiceforvets.org. For Veterans Treatment Courts Through collaboration, Veterans Treatment Courts and institutions of higher education increase graduation rates, enrollment, and create educated, productive citizens out of those who would otherwise be incarcerated. To learn more about Veterans Treatment Courts and the benefits and services offered by the VA, visit www.justiceforvets.org. About Justice For Vets In 2009, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) launched Justice For Vets: The National Clearinghouse for Veterans Treatment Courts. Justice For Vets is exclusively committed to ensuring that veterans involved in the criminal justice system have access to Veterans Treatment Courts and the benefits, services and treatment they have earned. Since Justice For Vets was launched, the number of operational Veterans Treatment Courts has grown to over 90. Justice For Vets activities include advocating for federal Veterans Treatment Court funding, assisting with state legislation, training and technical assistance, public awareness, and building coalitions within the criminal justice, business, and Veterans Service Organization communities. Visit Justice For Vets online at www.justiceforvets.org. About National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Since 1994, NADCP, a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) representing over 27,000 multi-disciplinary justice professionals and community leaders, has worked tirelessly at the national, state and local level to create and enhance Drug Courts. NADCP is recognized as the experts in the field of addiction and its intersection with the criminal justice system. In 1998, NADCP launched the National Drug Court Institute (NDCI). To date, NDCI has directly trained 65,440 Drug Court professionals from all fifty states and U.S. territories as well as sixteen other countries. Because of the breadth, quality and impact of NADCP, the Drug Court field has grown from fourteen programs in 1994 to 2,800 Drug Courts currently in operation. Visit NADCP online at www.allrise.org. 10 American Council on Education. From Soldiers to Students; Easing the Transition of Service Members on Campus (2009), available at http://www.acenet.edu/am/template. cfm?section=hena&template=/cm/contentdisplay. cfm&contentid=33233 11 Veterans Upward Bound Program U.S. Department of Education. 2011. 8 Feb. 2012 <http://www2.ed.gov/programs/ triovub/index.html> www.justiceforvets.org Dispatch 4

About Matt Stiner Matt Stiner is the Director of Justice For Vets at NADCP. After receiving the Combat Action Ribbon for service in Iraq as a Marine, Stiner used VA Education benefits and the Harry S. Truman Scholarship to obtain a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. Stiner began his career in Justice For Vets wishes to acknowledge those who have contributed to this publication Chris Deutsch, NADCP Director of Communications, Vanessa Cunningham, NDCI Research Coordinator, Kristen Daugherty, NADCP Director of Development and Nejla Routsong, NADCP Online Marketing Specialist. 1029 N. Royal Street, Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel. 703-575-9400 Fax 703-575-9402 www.justiceforvets.org www.justiceforvets.org Dispatch 5

Dispatch from the The National Clearinghouse for Veterans Treatment Courts at the National Association of Drug Court Professionals September 2012 Justice For Vets Veterans Treatment Courts and the U.S. Department of Labor Putting Veterans Back to Work By Matt Stiner, M.P.A. Director, Justice For Vets The emergence of Veterans Treatment Courts, with the collaboration of the U.S. Department of Labor, has proven to be a vital tool to assist in the fight against veteran unemployment. As Veterans Treatment Courts expand across the nation, unemployed veterans will continue to enter the court system. Justice For Vets provides the following Dispatch for Veterans Treatment Courts to utilize as a guide to working with the U.S. Department of Labor s Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists. Justice For Vets provides the following Dispatch for Veterans Treatment Courts to utilize as a guide to working with the U.S. Department of Labor s Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists. Veterans of the United States Armed Forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. These programs and services are legislated in Title 38 of the United States Code. DVOP Specialists and LVERs provide services to all veterans that Title 38 indicates are eligible. With the help of DVOP Specialists and LVERs, veterans receive assistance and guidance with job placement and/ or employment training to enter the workforce. DVOP Specialists and LVERs are located in state employment offices (also called One-Stop Career Centers or Employment Offices) in communities across the nation. One-Stop Career Centers provide veterans in Veterans Treatment Courts with free access to computers, internet, phones, copiers, and fax machines, as well as information regarding local employment and job training opportunities. These facilities also host a variety of job fairs, GED classes, budgeting seminars and resume development. One-Stop Career Centers provide veterans with free access to computer, internet, phones, copiers, and fax machines, as well as information regarding local employment and job training opportunities. www.justiceforvets.org Dispatch 1

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists DVOP Specialists place an emphasis on assisting veterans with service-connected disabilities. DVOP Specialists provide services, such as training, licensing and certification, one-on-one employment counseling, and support services. Additionally, DVOP Specialists provide necessary follow up services to both the veteran and the employer to ensure job retention. DVOP Specialists actively work with employers, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, Veterans Service Organizations, Native American Tribes and community based organizations to link veterans with appropriate employment and training opportunities. 1 DVOP Specialists actively work with employers, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, Veterans Service Organizations, Native American Tribes and community based organizations to link veterans with appropriate employment and training opportunities. DVOP Specialists may also serve as case managers for federally funded job training programs, such as the VA s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E). VR&E s mission is to help veterans with service-connected disabilities with a rating of at least 10 percent, or a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. Apprenticeships, college, vocational, technical or business schools, and on-the-job training or coaching are paid for by this program. During this time, the veteran receives supportive rehabilitation services, such as case management and counseling. 2 Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) LVERs assist veterans with resume writing, job searches, personal employment plans and help with job lead identification and training opportunities. LVERs are able to inform veterans of employment opportunities and ensure eligible veterans receive priority in the hiring process by monitoring job listings from federal agencies. LVERs assist veterans with resume writing, job searches, personal employment plans and help with job lead identification and training opportunities. Additionally, LVERs help veterans seek employment by working with community leaders, local employers, unions, training programs and Veterans Service Organizations to ensure veterans are hired. 3 DVOP Specialists and LVERs Participating in Veterans Treatment Court Veterans Treatment Courts may use the following as a guide to working with DVOP Specialists and LVERs. Role of DVOP Specialists and LVERs in Veterans Treatment Courts 1. Assess Participants entering the Veterans Treatment Court who face barriers to employment and need additional training resources. 2. Inform Participants of local, state and federal training and employment opportunities and resources at each Veterans Treatment Court session. 1 VETS Fact Sheet 1, Employment Services for Veterans U.S. Department of Labor. 2011. Veterans Employment and Training Services. 13 Feb. 2012 <http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fact/employment_services_fs01.htm#dvop> 2 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2011. Veterans Benefit Administration. 6 Feb. 2012 <http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm> 3 VETS Fact Sheet 1, Employment Services for Veterans U.S. Department of Labor. 2011. Veterans Employment and Training Services. 13 Feb. 2012 <http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fact/employment_services_fs01.htm#dvop> www.justiceforvets.org Dispatch 2

3. Provide information to the Veterans Treatment Court concerning the local, state, and federal employment and training opportunities that are available. 4. Serve as a liaison between the Participants, the Veterans Treatment Court, community employers, VA, Veterans Service Organizations, higher education and local career and technical schools. DVOP Specialists and LVERs Duties and Responsibilities 1. Adhere to all of the Veterans Treatment Court program s policies and procedures. 2. Complete the initial training as specified by the court prior to participation in the Veterans Treatment Court. 3. Attend Veterans Treatment Court sessions when scheduled and assist Participants as needed. 4. Be supportive and helpful to Participants in the Veterans Treatment Court. 5. Attend an initial orientation regarding Veterans Treatment Court and courtroom protocol. 6. Inform the Veterans Treatment Court of the progress of Participants obtaining employment and/or job training. 7. Schedule to meet with Participants if necessary at the local One-Stop Career Center to assess skills and any potential barriers to employment. Veterans Treatment Courts and the U.S. Department of Labor Collaborating to Fight Veteran Unemployment DVOP Specialists and LVERs are excellent additions to the Veterans Treatment Court. By collaborating, Veterans Treatment Courts and the U.S. Department of Labor are putting veterans into the workforce who would otherwise be incarcerated. To locate the nearest DVOP Specialist or LVER visit www.dol.gov/vets/. To learn more about the training and employment services and resources provided by the U.S. Department of Labor visit www.justiceforvets.org. To locate the nearest DVOP Specialist or LVER visit www.dol.gov/vets/. To learn more about the services and resources provided by the U.S. Department of Labor visit www.justiceforvets.org. About Justice For Vets In 2009, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) launched Justice For Vets: The National Clearinghouse for Veterans Treatment Courts. Justice For Vets is exclusively committed to ensuring that veterans involved in the criminal justice system have access to Veterans Treatment Courts and the benefits, services and treatment they have earned. Since Justice For Vets was launched, the number of operational Veterans Treatment Courts has grown to over 90. Justice For Vets activities include advocating for federal Veterans Treatment Court funding, assisting with state legislation, training and technical assistance, public awareness, and building coalitions within the criminal justice, business, and Veterans Service Organization communities. Visit Justice For Vets online at www.justiceforvets.org. About National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Since 1994, NADCP, a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) representing over 27,000 multi-disciplinary justice professionals and community leaders, has worked tirelessly at the national, state and local level to create and enhance Drug Courts. NADCP is recognized as the experts in the field of addiction and its intersection with the criminal justice system. In 1998, NADCP launched the National Drug Court Institute (NDCI). To date, NDCI has directly trained 65,440 Drug Court professionals from all fifty states and U.S. territories as well as sixteen other countries. Because of the breadth, quality and impact of NADCP, the Drug Court field has grown from fourteen programs in 1994 to 2,800 Drug Courts currently in operation. Visit NADCP online at www.allrise.org. www.justiceforvets.org Dispatch 3

About Matt Stiner Matt Stiner is the Director of Justice For Vets at NADCP. After receiving the Combat Action Ribbon for service in Iraq as a Marine, Stiner used VA Education benefits and the Harry S. Truman Scholarship to obtain a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. Stiner began his career in public service in the Tulsa Mayor s Office and then worked in the Tulsa Veterans Treatment Court. Justice For Vets wishes to acknowledge those who have contributed to this publication Chris Deutsch, NADCP Director of Communications, Vanessa Cunningham, NDCI Research Coordinator, and Kristen Daugherty, NADCP Director of Development. 1029 N. Royal Street, Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel. 703-575-9400 Fax 703-575-9402 www.justiceforvets.org www.justiceforvets.org Dispatch 4