Enhancements for the Operation of the Gaston County Veterans Treatment Court

Gaston County has requested $949,844 for the operation of the 27-A Judicial District Veterans’ Treatment Court. The VTC's purpose is to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism by providing an alternative response for justice-involved veterans with substance use and mental health needs through access to specialized treatment, case management and judicial supervision. Enhancements to the existing program will include increased/intensive case management capability, expanded capacity to include more participants; enhanced data collection/evaluation of the program, training for the VTC team and additional collaborating organizations for a more robust coordinated community response, and the provision of additional treatment and supportive services.

Project activities include expanding the VTC team with the addition of a Case Manager  and a full-time Court Coordinator; implementing a more rigorous procedure for early identification and referral for high risk/high needs veterans at all sequential intercept points; partnering with an evaluator to enhance data collection and evaluation of the program’s implementation and outcomes; identifying a designated treatment provider who will provide clinical assessments, medication assisted treatment, SUD and mental health treatment, certified peer support, and supportive housing for clients. The expected outcomes are that at the end of the four-year grant cycle, at least sixty percent of participants will have graduated from the program and that a six-month follow-up for all graduates will reflect a recidivism rate no greater than ten percent.