December 15, 2008

On December 8, Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor joined representatives of the 14th Judicial District Court, the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, veterans' organizations and the Tulsa County District Attorney and Public Defender offices, to launch Veterans Treatment Court.

Veterans Treatment Court will be a specialized docket within the Tulsa County Drug Court and will target veterans charged with non-violent felony offenses. The initial docket is being called today.

"As we know, thousands of soldiers will spend this holiday season far away from their families and their homes," said Taylor. "But thankfully- many are beginning to work their way back home as they finish their tours of duty."

Unfortunately, coming home is not always what they expected. Too many times, the trauma associated with combat leaves soldiers with stress-related disorders. The mayor's office, the courts and the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration are collaborating in this effort to address the needs of military veterans who turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with the aftermath of combat.

With the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many veterans and service members return from war with PTSD, depression, or other combat related issues. Upon returning home many veterans and service members turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with the aftermath of combat and wind up in the criminal justice system.

The need for intervention with veterans charged with non-violent crimes in need of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment related to their military service has increased.

"With 158 veterans arrested in Tulsa County in the month of October, there is clearly a need for this new therapeutic court," said Tulsa County Special Judge Sarah Smith. "The Veterans Treatment Court offers a unique partnership between the Veterans Administration, the court system and other veterans' organizations to provide treatment, compassion and hope to the men and women who served our country and are struggling in the criminal justice system."

"Veterans Court came together because of a great partnership," said Taylor. "VA Medical Center Director Adam Walmus, Judge Sarah Smith, the Tulsa County Drug Court Team, and our office represented by the Mayor's Liaison for Veterans Affairs Matt Stiner all came together to make it a reality.  Also, the Veterans Advisory Council worked over the past few months with service officers and veterans' organizations to bring all of these groups together.  Everyone involved deserves our thanks in developing a court that will serve those that served our country." the mayor said.

Adam Walmus, director of the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee, said the specialized program is of benefit to many returning military personnel.

"The Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center is proud to be the 4th VA in the nation to provide this treatment option for our returning soldiers who have difficulty readjusting to civilian life," Walmus said. "This joint venture the VA is doing with the Tulsa County Drug Court and the City of Tulsa will give these deserving men and women who served our country a second chance."

The Veterans Court partnership is the newest of multiple veterans initiatives created by the mayor's office under Taylor.