Veteran’s Treatment and Assistance Court Peer Mentor Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

In 2011, the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois established the Veterans Treatment and Assistance Court (VTAC). At that time, the VTAC program realized that justice involved Veterans are more likely to respond positively to another Veteran with similar experiences. As a result the Veteran Mentor program was established so each Veteran accepted into Veterans Court is assigned a Mentor. The supportive relationship developed between the mentor and participant is essential in assisting the justice involved veteran’s success in the program. The lasting effects improve the participant’s chances for sobriety, stability and law abiding behavior. The mission of the mentoring program is to support the Veteran throughout their readjustment to civilian life and assist them in navigating the court, VA and treatment systems. Most importantly the mentors act as a friend, advocate and ally to their assigned justice involved veteran. Mentors complete a mentor log after each interaction with their participant. The log is a critical document in that it is a vehicle to communicate to the other mentors during monthly meetings regarding what is happening with a participant. It also allows mentors the opportunity to ask questions about the program and to raise concerns or issues they are experiencing. The goal of the meetings is to utilize a team approach in assisting the justice involved veterans improve their lives and exit the criminal justice system successfully as well as provide the mentor with the necessary training and guidance to assist in the performance of their duties. Mentors are encouraged to stand beside their justice involved veteran for each court appearance to provide support while he/she is being addressed by the Court. The mentors and participants also participate in quarterly outings (bowling, picnics, ball games and dinners) so each can interact in an informal and recreational atmosphere. These activities help to break down barriers and improve relationship between mentor and participant. As of June 1, 2014 our VTAC mentors have serviced 69 total justice involved veterans. Our VTAC program has a 51.9% graduation rate and a recidivism rate is 17.4%