Montana VA Health Care System

Lt. Governor John Bohlinger congratulates the 4th Veteran to graduate from the Missoula Veteran Court

 It has been just over one year since the first Veteran Treatment Court in Montana got its start in Missoula.  This court uses a drug court model and helps Veterans that are struggling with addictions and mental illness that have encountered problems with the law.
 
On Monday, August 20, 2012 a young Veteran that had received a DUI was the 4th Veteran to graduated from the program.  Lt. Governor John Bohlinger attended the graduation and spoke to the large crowd.  Referring to his time of discharge and being a student at the U of M, he said “Veterans today are dealing with bigger issues than picking up clothes. “  He continued with “I think it’s a time to celebrate the success of completing the program.  In addition to congratulating this Veteran, I want to congratulate the community of Missoula.  They have put their arms around these Veterans and I want to thank Missoula for what you are dong to help young men and women re-acclimate to life after being deployed.  They have seen their best friends die.  These Veterans bear the scars of war.”
                                                             
In addition to Lt. Gov. Bohlinger, District Judge John Larson, Missoula City Councilmember Jon Wilkins, former Missoula County Commissioner Larry Anderson as well as many active and retired members of the military were there to celebrate.
 
The Veteran Court program It is not an easy process or to be used  just to get out of trouble, but has a very rewarding outcome for the Veterans that are able to stay on track and complete the program.   The Treatment Court works with a team approach:  Missoula District Court Standing Master Brenda Desmond; two case managers ; Pre-Trial Services; Vet Center Social Worker;  Turning Point and the Veteran Justice Outreach Social Worker from the VA.  Prior to actually seeing the Veterans in the Courtroom, the group meets to discuss each case.
 
If the Veteran is meeting all expectations and making all appointments, he or she is entitled to an “incentive”.  These are typically gift cards to Wal-Mart or other stores and gas cards.  If there is a problem with a Veteran not making his or her appointments or failing in some way to stay on track, the team discusses possible reasons.  They decide the Veteran should have some continued laboratory testing done to be certain the Veteran has not relapsed.  Sometimes they will determine that the Veteran should have cognitive testing done.  This is to be sure that it isn’t a behavioral problem for the Veteran, but a mental condition that might be preventing or hindering his or her success in the program. 

During the Court proceedings it is evident that Judge Desmond deeply cares about each of the Veterans that are in the program.  She asks each one what the goal for the next week is and then asks each of them to say one positive thing about themselves.  She not only is supportive and encouraging, but also bakes all the treats that are part of the graduation ceremony.
 
There is currently a second court in Billings that has been operating for several months and works in much the same way.  There is also interest in Great Falls, Helena and Butte for Veteran Justice Courts.