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1. What is a Veterans Treatment Court?

Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) are specialized court systems built for soldiers and veterans who find themselves involved in the judicial system. VTCs are a combination of drug court and mental health court. Participants have substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Veterans Treatment Court guides these individuals toward resources to improve their mental, physical, emotional, and financial standing. At the end of the program participants may be eligible to have their charges dismissed, Nollie, or reduced. It is our goal to restore self-worth and plant the seeds for life long sobriety. Many of our team members and supporters are veterans themselves. We recognize the difficulties facing our military and truly want to help.

2. How do I get involved in the VTC?

Ask your attorney if you are eligible to apply. If so, they will explain program requirements and how your charges will possibly be handled upon completion.  Attorneys must complete an application to include specific documents necessary for their client to be considered. Your attorney, or if you are an attorney, should refer to the VTC Court Coordinator to learn more.

3. Will it cost me anything to join?

WCVTC has no associated costs. Any pending fines or court costs related to charge/s are not a part of the WCVTC.

4. What are the benefits of joining?

Sometimes it takes the harsh reality of facing jail time, expensive court costs, and extreme stress to make one realize that something needs to change. It comes as a surprise to many when they see other soldiers and veterans struggling with the same issues they face. Here at the Veterans Treatment Court we understand the stress that a military lifestyle can have on relationships and the struggles of transition to civilian life.

Our program is designed to address those issues and prepare participants to deal with them outside of the program. We direct each person toward the resources that apply to their needs. We tailor program paths to the underlying issues that lead them to their involvement in the court. As a participant you can expect to be a part of something that fits you.

You will almost certainly leave the program with a new understanding of yourself. On top of that, the charges that you entered with will be addressed and, depending on the circumstances, may be reduced or dismissed.

5. What is a SCRAM device and do I have to have one?

A SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring) is a portable device ordered by the court to all participants to constantly monitor their alcohol intake. SCRAM RBs or Remote Breath devices may be required for participants during any phase of the program. This particular form of alcohol monitoring requires the user to blow into the device which records their breath alcohol level, location, and an image of the user's face.

6. What should I do if I am having SCRAM issues?

Contact your case manager immediately if you are experiencing any issues with your SCRAM device. If it is a weekend or holiday, leave a message with your case manager and contact your mentor immediately to explain and document the situation. It is important that your self-report so that something does not come up later that reflects poorly on your SCRAM record. If your device starts working again, self-initiate a test. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, bring the device to your case manager as soon as possible to be issued a new one. Remember to charge your device and keep it safe.

7. How do I get to the VTC?

The Williamson County Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator is located in the Williamson County Administrative Offices Complex at 1320 West Main St, Suite 107, Franklin TN.  VTC review takes place at General Sessions Courtroom “B”, located in the Williamson County Judicial Center, 135 4^th Ave South, Franklin, TN 37064.

8. What Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault.

PTSD has been known by many names in the past, such as “shell shock” during the years of World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II. But PTSD does not just happen to combat veterans. PTSD can occur in all people, in people of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and any age. PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults, and an estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed PTSD in their lifetime. Women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD.

People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people. People with PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event, and they may have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch.

A diagnosis of PTSD requires exposure to an upsetting traumatic event. However, exposure could be indirect rather than first hand. For example, PTSD could occur in an individual learning about the violent death of a close family. It can also occur as a result of repeated exposure to horrible details of trauma such as police officers exposed to details of child abuse cases.

Symptoms of PTSD:

According to the Dept. of Veteran Affairs www.ptsd.va.gov (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/)

1. Reliving a traumatic event.

  - nightmares, flashbacks, reacting to triggers

2. Avoiding situations that make you think about a traumatic event(s).

  - feeling uneasy in crowds, fear of driving, loud or busy places.

3. Changes in beliefs and/or feelings.

  - lessening of positive feelings toward already established relationships, feelings of distrust.

4. Increase in alertness or irritability.

- trouble sleeping or concentrating. Reacting to noises or surprises, constantly being on the lookout for danger.

9. What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), often called the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, occurs when a sudden trauma or head injury disrupts the function of the brain. Common causes of TBI include damage caused by explosive devices, falls and vehicle or motorcycle accidents. Most reported TBI among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom service members and veterans has been traced back to Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs, used extensively against Coalition Forces.

TBI may happen from a blow or jolt to the head or an object penetrating the brain. When the brain is injured, the person can experience a change in consciousness that can range from becoming disoriented and confused to slipping into a coma. The person might also have a loss of memory for the time immediately before or after the event that caused the injury. Not all injuries to the head result in a TBI.

 

 

Symptoms of TBI:

According to the Dept. of Veteran Affairs http://www.polytrauma.va.gov/understanding-tbi/ (http://www.polytrauma.va.gov/understandingtbi/)

Symptoms depend on the severity of the TBI which also affects the rate of recovery.

Physical changes and/or issues, problems walking, fatigue

Changes in behavior

Problems with thinking skills

Headaches, dizziness, irritability

Memory problems

Problems paying attention.