Hays County Veterans Court Program Jude Prather Veterans

Hays County Veterans Court Program Jude Prather Veterans Service Officer

Parties Involved • Hays Country Judge Linda Rodriguez • Hays County DA Sherri Tibbe • Hays County Deputy Director, Lisa H. Pacheco, CSCD (Adult Probation) • Hays County Sheriff Cutler and Capt. Cumberland • Hays County Grants Administrator Jeff Hauff • Hill Country MHDD Veteran Services Diane Brown

Timeline • Feb 12, 2010: Hays County Veterans Task Force – recommends the creation of a Veterans Court • June 4, 2013: Hays County Commissioner Court authorizes seeking Grant Applications for Veteran's Court Program and provides initial direction • December 17, 2013: Two agenda items 1) Resolution to establish a Veterans’ Court Program in Hays County 2. ) Memorandum of Understanding between participating Parties (Hays County, VA and Hill Country Community MHDD at Scheib )

Program Summary • The Veterans’ Court Program is designed to provide mental health services and supervision to veterans with a diagnosed substance abuse and/or mental health problem. It is not a get out jail free card • The primary goals of the program include: (1) improvising access to needed treatment and services for jailed veterans; (2) improvement in long-term recovery and community reintegration; and (3) a reduction in jail costs and recidivism.

Eligibility Criteria The Defendant must meet all of the following eligibility requirements: • Be a veteran with an honorable discharge or general discharge (under honorable conditions), on active duty, or in the Reserves or National Guard; • Have a misdemeanor offense, • Be a resident of Hays County or adjacent county; • Have a mental illness, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and/or substance abuse diagnosis that resulted from military service in a combat zone or other similar hazardous duty area and that is directly related to the criminal offense; • The Courts has final approval for eligibility.

Identifying Eligible Veterans • Sheriff Department’s “Hays County Veteran Jail Surveys” • From April 20 - Sept 30; – 60 Arrested Veterans • Eligible for Veterans Court: • Twenty-two (22 or 37%) of the 60 (served in Combat and type of offence) • A majority (40 or 67%) of arrested veterans surveyed have not obtained VA services

Program Cost • The Veteran would be in our Court System, with or with out the Veteran’s Court Program. • Grant Funding for additional staff • Additional Staff –Veterans Court Case Manager – Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of the Governor's Office Grant; this grant application must be submitted by February 28 and the grant period – if awarded – runs from Sept. 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015. • Until then “Soft Launch” of the Veteran’s Court Program utilizing current resources

Conclusion • Veteran’s Courts are successful • Veteran’s Courts honor service • Veteran’s Courts by State Law can be established with the approval of the Commissioners Court