MSU is part of first Veterans Treatment Court in Kentucky
Veterans in Jefferson County now have access to a specialized court that focuses on the unique needs of those who have issues with substance abuse and mental health.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Veterans in Jefferson County now have access to a specialized court that focuses on the unique needs of those who have issues with substance abuse and mental health.
Morehead State President Wayne D. Andrews was in attendance Nov. 20, as local officials announced the launch of the Jefferson County Veterans Treatment Court, the first of its kind in Kentucky.
“Many of the men and women coming back from war today are coming back with lots of challenges,” said Dr. Andrews. “The Treatment Court is a way to help them toward rehabilitation, so they can still be productive members of society.”
Dr. Andrews served two tours in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
The Administrative Office of the Courts ( AOC ) is collaborating on this project with the Office of the Jefferson County Attorney, the Robley Rex Veterans Administration Medical Center, Seven Counties Services, Jefferson County Drug Court and Morehead State University.
The JCVTC is being funded by a three-year, $350,000 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Our goal is to change lives,” said MSU graduate David L. Holton, Jefferson County district judge. “Through treating veterans, it is a way of giving back to them, who have given so much to our country.
“Morehead State is one of our partners of the program. I am very proud of that. MSU will be doing the evaluations of our results.”
MSU’s part will be monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of the program goals and gauge effectiveness. Process and outcome evaluations will be conducted by Dr. Lisa Shannon, assistant professor of social work.
Speaking at the news conference were: Holton, Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr., Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell, State Rep. Tanya Pullin and Supreme Court of Kentucky Justice Will T. Scott.
According to Holton, he would like to see additional Veterans Treatment Courts throughout Kentucky.
“This is not a get out of jail free card, this is not a free pass, but instead it is an opportunity for these men and women to get their lives back together,” Holton added.
Lexington, Fort Knox and Fort Campbell have shown interest in starting Veterans Treatment Courts.
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