Touting the success of veterans treatment courts

As the nation observed Veterans Day, the Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) this week saluted all military veterans, including those who have overcome “invisible wounds” with the help of one of Michigan’s 27 veterans treatment courts (VTCs).

These courts help nonviolent offenders address underlying issues related to their military service — often substance abuse and mental health issues — so they can turn their lives around.

“We are proud of the success and effectiveness of our 27 veterans treatment courts, which are saving lives, strengthening families, and making communities safer statewide,” said Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack. “The dedication of judges and court staff, combined with community support, is making Michigan a national leader in helping veterans.”

In October, the MSC’s State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) granted more than $1 million to VTCs across the state for Fiscal Year 2022.

Beyond funding, SCAO also provides those programs with operational support, resources, training and assistance with state certification.

SCAO analysts regularly monitor data collected from VTCs and help local courts follow best practices.

Data from FY 2020 shows that unemployment among graduates of VTCs dropped by 81 percent.

Every year, SCAO conducts about 20 different training programs for judges and court employees who operate problem-solving courts across the state, including VTCs.

In addition, SCAO has worked with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and WMU-Cooley Law School to produce two valuable resources: a manual for judges interested in starting a vet court; and a manual for veteran mentors volunteering in VTCs.

“Having veteran mentors to help participants better navigate civilian life is vital and makes these treatment programs even more relevant,” said Justice Elizabeth T. Clement, who serves as the MSC liaison to problem-solving courts. “We deeply value our military veterans’ sacrifices and service to our country, and owe it to them to give them the tools they need to succeed.”

The Supreme Court partnered again with MVAA through the Veteran Connector program to help prevent veteran suicide by sharing informational resources ?with trial courts so they can demonstrate their ongoing support in connecting local service members, veterans, and their families to earned benefits. 

Veterans treatment courts promote sobriety, recovery, and stability through a coordinated response that involves collaboration with a variety of traditional partners found in drug courts and mental health courts, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, volunteer veteran mentors, and organizations that support veterans and veterans’ families.

Army veteran Kevin Hier, a past graduate of the Ingham County Veterans Treatment Court, described the changes he experienced in the program: “Each month, I’d leave the program and my spirits were soaring, I was rising; I couldn’t even believe how good I felt afterwards. On graduation day, I felt like I could jump up and touch the stars.”