News from Veteran Directed Care Program
“Veteran” isn’t a word; it’s a person. Every veteran has a unique military experience. And for those veterans who become involved in the justice system due to mental health, substance use, or trauma-related issues, Veteran Treatment Court gives you an ally. They provide judicially supervised, problem-solving programs that include treatment, peer mentoring, and court monitoring. Eligibility and referral are handled through a partnership with local criminal justice agencies, the VA, and community partners.
Focus:
- To provide a program for justice-involved veterans with substance abuse and/or mental health disorders
Services:
- Includes mental health and substance use treatment, case management, education, employment support, and peer support
Eligibility:
- Veterans are screened for drug/alcohol dependency, mental health issues, and trauma (including TBIs).
Referral:
- Referrals can be made by a defense attorney, prosecutor, judge, probation officer, the jail, or the VA. The first step is filling out a referral form.
Where to get information:
The main Veterans Treatment Court in Northern Idaho is operated by Kootenai County, located in Coeur d’Alene.Veterans Community Response is a non-profit organization that serves the Inland Northwest, including Northern Idaho, with a chapter planned for Sandpoint in the future. In the Lewiston area you can reach out to Greg Forsmann at 208-503-9376.
The Veteran Crisis Line is available around- the-clock by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Crisis. Support can also be accessed via text at 838255 or online at VeteransCrisisLine.net