SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Veterans Treatment Court

Participant Handbook

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Veterans Treatment Court St. Johns County....................................................................................... 2

Welcome and Introduction ................................ ................................................................................. 3

Benefits of Veterans Treatment Court................................................................................................ 3

Program Goals..................................................................................................................................... 4

Confidentiality .................................................................................................................................... 4

Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................... 4

Participant Rights ............................................................................................................................... 6

Participant Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 6

Supervision.......................................................................................................................................... 7

Alcohol and Drug Testing ................................................................................................................... 7

The VTC Team................................................................................................................................... 7

Veteran Mentors (Battle Buddies) ...................................................................................................... 8

Treatment Design ............................................................................................................................... 8

VTC Phases

Phase 1 (Honor) - Intake, Assessment, and Orientation (1-2 Months) .................................. 8

Phase 2 (Courage) - Stabilization, Assessment, and Treatment Planning (2-5 Months)...... 9

Phase 3 (Devotion to Duty) – Treatment (1-6 Months)............................................................ 9

Phase 4 (Integrity) - Relapse Prevention/Treatment Completion (1-3 Months) ................... 9

Phase 5 (Commitment) - Completion/Graduation Planning (1-3 Months) ......................... 10

Completion/Graduation............................................................................................................ 10

General Overview of Phases and Time Considerations

Misdemeanor ............................................................................................................................ 11

Felony ........................................................................................................................................ 12

Incentives and Sanctions

Incentives …............................................................................................................................... 13

Sanctions …................................................................................................................................ 14

Discharge ….............................................................................................................................. 15

Opportunities .................................................................................................................................... 15

Dress Code ........................................................................................................................................ 15

Court Schedule .................................................................................................................................. 16

Contact Information ......................................................................................................................... 16

Acknowledgement of Receipt of VTC Participant Handbook.......................................................... 17

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Veterans Treatment Court St. Johns County

Welcome and Introduction

Welcome to the St. Johns County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). This handbook is designed

to be an overview of what to expect as a participant in VTC. It provides a basic outline of the

probation/diversion treatment program and is a resource to turn to for the many questions you

may have as you move through the phases. You are expected to read the handbook and review it

often so you can easily comply with VTC’s mission of promoting a healthy and productive

lifestyle. As a participant of VTC, you will be expected to follow the instructions, follow all

supervision and program rules and, complete the treatment plan developed by you and your

assigned treatment provider. The court reserves the right, in each individual case, to make

discretionary decisions consistent with the law and public policy.

VTC is modeled after collaborative justice court programs, such as drug and mental health courts.

VTC, like drug and mental health courts, is designed to provide essential substance abuse and/or

mental health services to current and former military service members who become involved with

the criminal justice system. VTC focuses on cases where there is a nexus between the offense or

diagnoses and the veteran’s military service. These programs feature multiple interventions, a

collaborative approach to treatment and rehabilitation, drug/alcohol testing, regular court

appearances and educational opportunities. The program is intended to provide participants with

the skills necessary to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle and to reconnect with their families

and community.

VTC will provide eligible veterans with the opportunity to receive specialized substance abuse

and mental health treatment services, one-on-one veteran peer mentor support, and assistance in

gaining access to veteran healthcare and benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA). VTC will also include community supervision and frequent court case reviews; thus,

ensuring public safety and accountability. VTC, as with other problem-solving courts, requires

a non-adversarial courtroom atmosphere where dedicated multi-disciplinary teams work

together toward the common goal of breaking the cycle of addiction, self-destructive and anti-

social behavior, and criminal misconduct by addressing the veteran from a holistic perspective.

Benefits of Veterans Treatment Court

Improve access to VA benefits

Facilitate participant sobriety

Increase compliance with treatment and other court-ordered conditions

Improve family relationships and social support connections

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Improve life stability

Regain lost pride

Honor those who have served our nation by helping them resolve criminal charges

Reduce criminal recidivism

Program Goals

1. Provide each participant with a judicially-supervised treatment program using a variety

of methods and treatment options.

2. Promote the achievement of educational, employment, and social goals that promote a

healthy and productive lifestyle.

3. Help each participant become a productive citizen in our community.

4. Help each participant abstain from the abuse of substances by treating addiction and

other underlying factors, thereby reducing contact with the criminal justice system.

Confidentiality All VTC participant records are protected in accordance with federal and state laws. However,

participation in VTC requires your signature on a Release of Information. Your signature

authorizes the VTC team to discuss your case and progress as it relates to treatment. VTC team

members also sign confidentiality statements and are bound by such. Persons outside the VTC

team will not be provided confidential information about you or your progress unless an

emergency or legal circumstance requires release of information, such as:

Court order or formal program audit

Medical personnel handling a medical emergency

Participant commits or threatens to commit a crime

Participant is suspected of child or elder abuse

Participant is threatening suicide or homicide

Mission The mission of VTC is to provide an interagency, collaborative, non-adversarial treatment-

focused strategy for veteran defendants in the criminal justice system that were discharged

from the military under honorable or general under honorable conditions. The court may also

admit veterans with other characterizations of discharge on a case-by-case basis.

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VTC strives to assist veteran defendants, further referred to as “participants”, who suffer from

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), other psychological

conditions, sexual trauma, or substance abuse problems that are identified as service-related

conditions or that manifest themselves while the participant was in military service. All these

conditions are recognized by ASAM/DSM diagnoses criteria.

This court is designed to provide intensive supervision and treatment services for participants, as

well as to offer a peer support/mentoring program designed specifically to enhance recovery and

reduce recidivism rates for veteran offenders. VTC is appropriate not only to support those who

have served our country, but it also provides multilevel benefits to the community, including

monetary savings/cost avoidance and projected lower recidivism rates for VTC participants.

VTC strives to:

Divert qualified veterans from jail to court supervised treatment-based programs and

VA/community-based services;

Maintain treatment, benefits, supervision, and community support;

Provide qualified peer mentors who are also veterans;

Assist qualified veterans in obtaining adequate housing, employment (where possible),

and services to address collateral legal consequences; and

Promote public safety by treating and providing close supervision of participants.

The goals of these activities are to:

Reduce substance abuse and related criminal activity among participants;

Enhance community safety;

Provide resources and support to assist the participant in the acquisition of skills

necessary for the maintenance of sobriety;

Reward positive life changes while maintaining accountability for negative conduct;

Reduce reliance on incarceration;

Hold participants accountable for their actions;

Integrate substance abuse and mental health treatment with criminal justice case

processing;

Reduce the impact of drug and mental health disorder related cases on criminal justice

resources; and

Reintegrate the participant into civil society.

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Participant Rights All participants have the right to courteous, dignified and reliable delivery of service.

Participation in VTC is voluntary. If there are any program changes, participants will be

informed as soon as reasonable. Equal treatment and services will be delivered without regard to

age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, or physical disability.

Participant Responsibilities It is your duty to comply with your responsibilities as a participant in VTC. Failure to comply

with program conditions result in sanctions, including termination from the program. Listed

below are some of the responsibilities you must adhere to successfully graduate from the

program.

1. You must not violate any law;

2. You must not use or possess any controlled substance, dangerous drug, marijuana, or

prescription drug not specifically prescribed to you by lawful prescription with approval from

your treatment provider;

3. You must not consume or possess alcoholic beverages;

4. You must attend all court sessions and required appointments on time;

5. You must exhibit appropriate behavior in the courtroom as well as at all sessions,

appointments, meetings, and interactions with other participants and the team;

6. You must dress appropriately for court as well as for other VTC appointments;

7. You must comply with recommended medical, psychiatric, educational, vocational, or

substance abuse treatment programs, up to and including residential treatment, as directed;

8. You must submit to urinalysis or other drug testing, randomly and upon demand;

9. You must not leave the State of Florida without written permission from VTC Judge;

10. You must contact your community supervision/probation officer within 24 hours regarding

any change in address, telephone number, or employment;

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11. You must pay all fines, court costs, treatment fees, restitution costs, assessment fees, and

laboratory fees, as ordered; and

13. You must be respectful to yourself and others.

Supervision

You are required to meet with your assigned community supervision/probation officer as directed.

The frequency of these appointments depends on your progress in the program. Your

community supervision/probation officer will discuss the conditions of your supervision with you

and provide guidance as needed. VTC community supervision/probation officers may randomly

visit your home and/or work. You may also be required to be monitored electronically (via ankle

bracelet, handheld device, alcohol monitor, etc).

Alcohol and Drug Testing

It is the goal of VTC to help you maintain sobriety not only to succeed in the program, but also to

succeed in life after the program. Therefore, the program will include frequent and random

drug/alcohol testing. You may be required to pay fees associated with testing. If you fail to

appear for a test or cannot provide a specimen, this is a violation of the program that may result in

a sanction.

The VTC Team The VTC team is the decision-maker for the program and its participants. The VTC team makes

decisions regarding the participant’s progress in the program, which include incentives,

sanctions, phase changes, and graduation or termination. The VTC team is made up of many

members including, but not limited to, VTC Judge, VTC Coordinator, State Attorney, Public

Defender, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Corrections/Probation, and substance

abuse and mental health treatment providers.

The VTC team meets prior to each scheduled court session to discuss and review all participant

progress. The team will make recommendations to the judge in the best interest of the

participant, regardless of personal or professional disagreements or challenges. Furthermore,

each veteran participant must be afforded his or her right to a hearing on the issues. After

staffing is completed, the judge will conduct a review hearing with scheduled participants and

address each participant individually with his or her attorney and mentor present.

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Veteran Mentors (Battle Buddies)

Veteran Mentors/Battle Buddies act as coaches, guides, role models, and advocates for the

participants throughout the program. This includes listening to the concerns, making general

suggestions, and serving as a support system. Mentors will typically be a veteran having served

in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or their corresponding Reserve and

Guard branches.

Veteran Mentors are not direct members of the VTC Team. They will not participate in pre-

hearings where participant progress is discussed. However, mentors will encourage participants

to talk openly with the team about their difficulties including relapse. You are strongly

encouraged to utilize the mentor program and interact with your mentor. However, your mentor

is not a source of financial support and should not be taken advantage of.

Treatment Design The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide treatment services to participants. The

VA will work with the participant to address needs and build upon strengths. The frequency of

treatment is based on the participant’s individualized treatment plan in conjunction with the

participant’s current phase within the program.

VTC Phases

VTC is a five-phase, structured treatment program emphasizing accountability and personal

responsibility. The program is six months to twenty-four months in duration. Each phase

consists of specified treatment objectives, therapeutic and rehabilitative activities and specific

requirements for advancement into the next phase. The core components for each phase

described below.

Phase 1 Honor - Intake, Assessment, and Orientation (1-2 Months)

Phase 1 expects participants to display honor by showing up and being honest. In this phase,

the participant will become familiar with the program, treatment, and individualized

conditions of community supervision. In Phase 1, participants will be assigned a VTC

Coordinator/Probation Officer. The participant will be advised of the conditions of VTC to

include the standard conditions listed below. Participants will have an opportunity to ask

questions before moving forward with obligations.

1. Remain free of illegal substances and alcohol. Participant will be subject to frequent,

random tests for alcohol and drugs.

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2. No new arrests since admission to the VTC.

3. Report to VTC Coordinator/Probation Officer as directed.

4. Attend all scheduled court events as directed.

5. Maintain routine contact with VTC Mentor.

6. Cooperate with the VTC Team.

Phase 2 Courage - Stabilization, Assessment, and Treatment Planning (2-5 Months)

Participants demonstrate courage by attending evaluations, treatment, and educational courses

while gaining insight into establishing new and appropriate responses to old detrimental

behaviors. The VTC Team will develop a written plan for the participant specifying services to be

utilized to meet each goal. Phase 2 will conclude when the participant is engaged and cooperating

with treatment and other VTC requirements. Rewards and sanctions during Phase 2 will be

agreed upon by the VTC Team.

Phase 3 Dedication to Duty – Treatment (1-6 Months)

At this stage, participants demonstrate dedication to duty by abiding court requirements. The

participant’s level of personal responsibility and accountability increases. Group and

individual treatment sessions help the participant better understand his/her triggers and

develop appropriate responses. At this juncture, participants will become fully engaged in VA

medical services and mentor services. The participant continues weekly appointments with the

VTC Coordinator/Probation Officer. The objective of Phase 3 is continued stabilization and

(re)integration into the community. Rewards and sanctions during Phase 3 will be agreed upon

by the VTC team.

Phase 4 Integrity - Relapse Prevention/Treatment Completion (1-3 Months)

In Phase 4, the participant will demonstrate integrity by adhering to program principles and

encouraging other participants to do the same. This phase will also focus on relapse prevention

while coping with stressful situations. Integrity will mean making good life choices which results

in healthy relationships with family, friends, employers, neighbors, etc. Phase 4 is the final phase

of intensive outpatient treatment. Once completed, participants will transition to aftercare

services as described in the next phase. This phase will begin to prepare participants to transition

to self-sufficiency with continued mentor support. The participant’s frequency of reporting will

be decreased. Rewards and sanctions during Phase 4 will be agreed upon by the VTC Team.

Phase 5 Commitment - Completion/Graduation Planning (1-3 Months)

By Phase 5, the participant must demonstrate ongoing commitment to complete treatment and

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maintain a healthy, stable lifestyle. The participant must strive for continued positive change

and personal improvement. The participant will be reporting one time per month and preparing

for graduation from VTC.

Completion/Graduation

If the participant is fully compliant, he/she will receive special graduation recognition. After

graduating, the participant will no longer be required to report to the VTC Team, but is

encouraged to do so. Graduation is a reward for being a courageous, honorable, dedicated,

and committed person of integrity. However, the VTC Team is still here for you. You can

visit team members or attend court. You are always welcome!

If the participant is mostly compliant, but unable to fully complete conditions of VTC, the team

may opt to complete the veteran from the program without the formal graduation.

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General Overview of Phases and Time Considerations

Misdemeanor

Phase 1

Orientation/

Assessment

Acute

Stabilization

Phase II

Clinical

Stabilization

Ongoing

Treatment

Phase III

Transition/

Graduation

Prosocial

Habilitation

Phase IV

Adaptive

Habilitation

Relapse

Prevention/

Treatment

Completion

Phase V

Continuing

Care Program

Completion

Graduation

Planning

Characteristics Full mental

health &

substance abuse

assessment. Set

individual

program goals

and treatment

plan with VTC

team.

Demonstration

of active

participation

and compliance

in the treatment

program.

Greater degree

of oversight by

program

management

and health

professionals.

Full immersion

in treatment and

participation in

supervision,

with regular

review of

treatment plan

and goals.

Move toward

program

completion, by

starting a

“master plan”

to describe

post-graduation

goals and

objectives, and

to serve as the

basis for a

request to

graduate.

Embrace return

to community

with clean,

sober,

productive

lifestyle.

Complete

community

service and

court related

financial

obligations.

Contact with: Judge/ Judicial

Docket

Bi-weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Monthly Monthly

VTC

Coordinator

Weekly Weekly Weekly Bi-weekly Bi-weekly

VJO/VA/VA

Contract

As Directed As Directed As Directed As Directed As Directed

Mentor As Required As Required As Required As Required As Required

Substance

testing:

Alcohol/drugs

Semi-

weekly/random

Weekly/random Weekly/random Bi-

weekly/random

Bi-

weekly/random

Months: 1-2

*14-days clean

& sober

2-4

*30-days clean

& sober

1-3

*90-days clean

& sober

1-2

*90-days clean

& sober

1

*90-days clean

& sober

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Felony

Phase I

Orientation/

Assessment

Acute

Stabilization

Phase II

Clinical

Stabilization

Ongoing

Treatment

Phase III

Transition/

Graduation

Prosocial

Habilitation

Phase IV

Adaptive

Habilitation

Relapse

Prevention/

Treatment

Completion

Phase V

Continuing

Care Program

Completion

Graduation

Planning

Characteristics Full mental

health &

substance abuse

assessment. Set

individual

program goals

and treatment

plan with VTC

team.

Demonstration

of active

participation

and compliance

in the treatment

program.

Greater degree

of oversight by

program

management

and health

professionals.

Full immersion

in treatment and

participation in

supervision,

with regular

review of

treatment plan

and goals.

Move toward

program

completion, by

starting a

“master plan” to

describe post-

graduation goals

and objectives,

and to serve as

the basis for a

request to

graduate.

Embrace return

to community

with clean,

sober,

productive

lifestyle.

Complete

community

service and

court related

financial

obligations.

Contact with: Judge/Judicial

Docket

Bi-weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Monthly Monthly

Probation

Officer

Weekly Weekly Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly

VJO/VA/VA

Contract

As Directed As Directed As Directed As Directed As Directed

Mentor As Required As Required As Required As Required As Required

Substance

testing:

Alcohol/drugs

Semi-

weekly/random

Weekly/random Weekly/random Bi-

weekly/random

Bi-

weekly/random

Months: 2

*14-days clean &

sober

4-5

*30-days clean

& sober

5-6

*60-days clean

& sober

2-3

*90-days clean

& sober

2-3

*90-days clean

& sober

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Incentives and Sanctions

Incentives:

VTC recognizes the effort it takes to improve behaviors, choices, and lifestyles. With that in

mind, VTC recognizes all markers of success; even if in a small way. VTC is proud to support

progress and do our part to keep spirits lifted as participants travel down the road to change.

Examples of behaviors/accomplishments that lead to incentives are included below.

Behaviors/Accomplishments Possible Incentives/Responses

1 day clean and sober

Multi-day clean and sober

Assisting others (community service)

Continuous compliance with

instructions

Infraction/Violation free for 60+ days

Increased contact with family

Obtaining employment

Maintaining employment

Obtaining driver’s license

Obtaining GED or degree

Perfect attendance

Phase completion/advancement

Progress in treatment

Applause

Books

Candy

Coffee with the

judge and team

Curfew

extension /

removal

Sobriety tokens

Early phase

advancement

Fishbowl

drawings

Praise from

judge

Recognition

certificate

Recommendation

letter for job

Reduction of

community

service hours

Early dismissal

from court

Gift certificate

Approval for

travel

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Sanctions:

If participants fail to comply with conditions of VTC, the VTC Judge may order one or more of

the following sanctions. Examples of infractions that lead to sanctions are listed below. This is

not a complete list and only represents possible sanctions, which may be imposed.

Infractions/Violations Possible Sanctions

Behavioral issues (poor attitude and/or

being disruptive)

Providing a dilute/altered drug screen

Failing to submit to drug screen

Failing to attend or being tardy for

scheduled events- court, AA, NA,

appointments, etc.

Failing to engage in services with

mentor

Failing to follow counselor/case

manager instruction

Failing to follow court instructions

Failing to submit AA/NA meeting

slips

Leaving the county without approval

Lying or deliberately omitting

information to/from the court

Positive drug screen

Filling prescribed medication without

authorization

Serious Infractions/Violations (May result

in termination from VTC)

Engaging in a romantic/sexual

relationship with another VTC

participant

Possession and/or use of synthetic

drugs

Violence or threats of violence

Tampering with drug screen

Submitting falsified documents

New criminal arrest/offense

Days in jail

Phase demotion

Phase extension

Admonishment by VTC Judge

Additional community service hours

Write an essay

Increased court appearances

Increased frequency of supervision

appointments

Increased frequency of drug screens

Verbal or written apology

Fines

Electronic monitoring

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Discharge:

Should a participant be discharged from VTC for non-compliance, the VTC Judge will enter an

order reactivating the criminal case for formal prosecution.

Opportunities The program offers you an opportunity to address your problems/issues and possibly avoid

incarceration. You will have the chance to increase the quality of life for you and those you care about.

The VTC Team is there to assist you and wants to see you succeed. If you take advantage of the

assistance offered, you will discover many ways to make a better life for yourself. Change is never

easy; it will take commitment, dedication, self-control, perseverance and hard work. The VTC Team

will provide you with the support and referrals necessary to help you begin making positive changes in

your life.

Follow Your Treatment Plan

Your treatment plan will include some or all of the following components:

Abstinence from illegal drugs and alcohol

Medication compliance

Participation in a substance abuse treatment program

Participation in a behavioral health treatment program

Participation in self-help group or program

Intensive or supportive case management services

Supported or structured housing

Education services

Employment or Vocational Rehabilitation

Regular appointments with a VA case manager

Regular appointments with a psychiatrist

Psycho-social or recreational program

Dress Code All VTC participants are expected to wear proper attire when attending supervision appointments,

court, treatment, counseling and/or another VTC related events. While attending court, you may

not wear sleeveless shirts including muscle and tank tops. In addition, please make sure you

remove your hat and wear shoes at all times.

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Prohibited items include the following:

No shorts

No clothes advertising or promoting things of a sexual nature

No clothes advertising or promoting drugs and/or alcohol

No shirts revealing chest or stomach

No bathing suits, sleep attire, or other beach/gym attire

Court Schedule Court schedule will be published on an annual basis and is subject to change.

Contact Information For more information about VTC, please contact:

St. Johns County Veterans Treatment Court

c/o VTC Coordinator

Court Administration, Seventh Judicial Circuit

Richard O. Watson Judicial Center

4010 Lewis Speedway

St. Augustine, FL 32084

(904) 827-5626

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Acknowledgement of Receipt of VTC Participant Handbook

I, _____________________________________________ (print), acknowledge that I have

received a copy of the VTC participant handbook. I have read the handbook and

understand all terms and conditions of Veterans Treatment Court.

Signature of Defendant_ Date Signed:

Name/firm of Defense Counsel:

Signature of Defense Counsel Date Signed:

Please submit signed acknowledgement to the VTC Coordinator signifying receipt of the

handbook before or during the participant’s first VTC hearing.