On Feb. 12th our presenter was our very own Murray Davis.  Murray is the Project Director/Program Coordinator for the 19th District Court Veterans Treatment Court in Dearborn.
 
Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) are a diversion program for veterans who have been charged with a non-violent misdemeanor.  It takes the person out of the court system with the goal being treatment, not incarceration.  They promote sobriety, recovery, and stability through a coordinated response with the VA and other healthcare networks.  There are 27 VTCs in Michigan.  To learn more, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrpytvX3YSE.
 
If a defendant identifies as a veteran, the prosecutor can recommend this program.  The individual would plead guilty to the offense and then undergo a four phase 12-18-month probationary period with strict guidelines.  During this time period, he/she, through the VA, would be assessed and receive psychological, emotional, and substance abuse treatment.   Murray’s VTC receives state and federal funding but he looks for extra money to help veterans with emergency needs and transportation and to incentivize volunteer veteran mentors through training and mileage reimbursement.