Delaware’s Veteran Treatment Court
Why Veterans Treatment Court
Problem solving courts, similar to the Veterans Treatment Court, work with specialized populations in an attempt to divert this justice involved individuals away from continued involvement in the Criminal Justice System.
Why did Veterans Treatment Court come to Delaware?
- 10% of adults arrested have served in the military.
- Proximity of Dover Air Force Base offers an optimum location.
- Help those dealing with substance abuse and alcohol issues, PTSD, etc.
- We are serving the justice-involved veterans of this state in cooperation with all of our courts.
Qualifications for Entry
- Veteran (Active Duty or Reserves); we accept all those who have served in the military.
- Honorable and Other than Honorable discharge accepted.
- Case by case basis.
- Based on past criminal history.
- No sex offenders.
- Voluntarily enter the program.
- Must follow treatment recommendations from VA and TASC.
- Must appear in court for regular status conferences.
- If a Veteran fails to comply, sanctions will be imposed ranging from a warning to a 48-hour incarceration.
- Failure to comply further may result in termination from the program.
Mentors
- Help in ways the Court cannot
- Develop a close relationship
- NOT a Counselor
- Can be there for the Veteran
Mentors are Veterans or have had prior Military experience.
Mentor Coordinators
Kent County: Lynn Miller
Email: MLBH.Miller@verizon.net
Kent County: Gail Gartner
Email: ggartner405@gmail.com
Sussex County: Bill Gay
Additional Information
- Veterans Court is a permanent program that has been established in the State of Delaware since 2011.
- There are over 75 participants in the State and this number is only expanding.
- There is no current funding appropriated for Veterans Court.
- Approximately 10 staff members are operating Veterans Treatment Court in each county.