The mission of the Tulare County Veterans’ Court is to provide veterans in the criminal justice system who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse or psychological problems stemming from service in a combat theater in the Unites States military, with intensive treatment programs tailored to meet clinically identified needs. Veterans’ Court is collaboration between numerous agencies: The Court, the Veteran’s Administration, the District Attorney’s Office, the Probation Department, and many other community partners.

Recommendation for Veteran’s Court participation may be made by: arresting officers, defense attorneys, probation officers or Judges. However, all referrals to the Veterans’ Court shall be made by a Judge.

Program Goals

The goals of the program, ultimately speaking, are to address the issues which led the individual to have contact with the criminal justice system. In broad terms, the program exists to assist Veterans in achieving a healthy lifestyle outside the criminal justice system. This may include addressing various topics such as mental health issues and/or counseling in an effort to become abstinent from alcohol or drug use. There are only two other courts operating in a similar fashion in California at this time. The Tulare County Program is designed to promote self-sufficiency and to return Veterans to the community as a productive and responsible citizen. The program is voluntary and is a personal choice. The Judge, the Court staff, and the treatment team are present to guide and assist participants, but the final responsibility shall rest upon the Veterans themselves.
 

Veterans’ Court Board

Cases which meet the initial referral criteria will be evaluated by the Veterans’ Court Board who will exclusively determine eligibility. The Board will consist of representatives from the Veteran’s Counseling Center, The District Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement, the Probation Department as well as the County Veterans’ Service Officer.

Community Involvement

Treatment of program participants will be provided by various agencies such as the Veterans Administration (VA) health care agencies as well as the Probation Department. However, as the program seeks to achieve successful integration back into the community, a necessary component will be community assistance in areas such as assisting participants with obtaining education and skill assessments, referrals for vocational training, education, and or job placement services. Additionally, participants of the program will be “assigned” a community volunteer veteran mentor to support the participants in creating a better life.

For questions regarding program specifics or to provide community support, please contact:

Assistant District Attorney Don Gallian at DGallian@co.tulare.ca.us or
Supervising Attorney Timothy Ward at Tward@co.tulare.ca.us