For veterans struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues, a Pulaski County problem-solving court is giving them opportunities for change.
The veterans treatment court is now up to four graduates, with three more expected in the coming months, according to Superior Court Judge Crystal Kocher. “These individuals come in to us, and they are a completely different person when they leave,” she says. “They’re back. Our goal, really, is to reestablish them to be that kind of honorable citizen in our community, and so we see that often.”
One difference from regular court is that contact is much more frequent. Kocher says problems can be addressed quickly and participants can be held accountable. “During the period of time that they are with us, they are seen almost daily by some member of our team . . . whether it be by treatment, by their case manager, by employment resources that we provide them with,” Kocher explains. “In addition to that, they do a minimum of two drug screens a week, sometimes more if we think it’s necessary, and then they come to court at least two times a month.”
You can hear our conversation with Judge Kocher and veterans treatment court coordinator Dr. Natalie Tucker, this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EDT/noon CDT on Kankakee Valley Viewpoints on K99.3.
