A pre-recorded streaming VIDEO replay of two sessions from the May 2018 live seminar, Annual Military Law Symposium.
Cosponsored with the Military Law Section of the Virginia State Bar
The aim of the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program is to avoid the unnecessary criminalization of mental illness and extended incarceration among veterans. Karen Carrington explains the program and attorney involvement that ensures eligible, justice-involved veterans have timely access to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services, as clinically indicated. Her presentation covers direct outreach, assessment, and case management for justice-involved veterans in local courts and jails, and liaison with local justice system partners.
In addition, Judge Penney Azcarate discusses the Fairfax County Veterans Treatment Docket — the first in Virginia — that diverts veterans from the traditional legal system who struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, or trauma. The Veterans Treatment Docket is designed to address the mental, emotional, and substance-abuse issues often resulting from the combat stresses of military service. This presentation discusses the various players involved in this specialty court and the background that led to using this holistic legal approach in dealing with veterans and the courts. Lastly, this presentation provides an update on the progress of the docket and lessons learned since its inception.