4 Complete Veterans Treatment Court
Four veterans successfully finished the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) program and were awarded certificates of completion on Thursday, November 9.
VTC Judge Andrew Santoli personally congratulated each graduate in a ceremony in the historic old court house atrium. “This is merely one step in their path of sobriety and recovery,” Judge Santoli told those gathered. He also noted the symbolism of the ceremony being held two days before Veterans Day.
Approved by the Bench in 2015, the mission driving the Veterans Treatment Court is to successfully rehabilitate veterans by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system, and providing them with the unique tools they need to lead a more productive and law-abiding life.
Combat veterans often have issues when they return home from their service. The most serious issues include engaging in high-risk conduct, unemployment, post-traumatic stress syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, homelessness, drugs, and crime. Studies have shown that 18% to 30% of veterans need treatment for these issues and the Veterans Treatment Court addresses them.
Congratulations to the graduates, and thank you to all who have served!
