In 2010, the Ohio Department of Mental Health received a state-wide grant through SAMHSA
(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) to implement state-wide
diversion programs specific to the United States veteran population with a specific focus on
trauma related to combat experience, mental health, and substance abuse. The Ohio Department of Mental Health chose Hamilton County as a pilot site to implement a system to identify and refer veterans in the criminal justice system to the Veterans Administration Healthcare system for immediate stabilization and treatment. Locally this is called the Project Veteran Intervention Program and it utilizes Hamilton County Pretrial staff, Southern Ohio Forensic Evaluation Services, and Veterans Affairs to coordinate early intervention and placement for veterans. The Department of Pretrial and Community Transition Services developed a system to identify all veterans entering the jail. Further screening, assessment, and engagement are used to identify those veterans who fit specific criteria for the program. For eligible veterans, the program seeks to coordinate treatment services with Veterans Affairs and establish communication and case planning between judges, attorneys, and probation officers involved in each case.
In addition to implementing the above, a Veterans Treatment Court was initiated with Specialized Docket Certification awarded in 2015. Veterans are provided an opportunity to participate in a court-supervised, intensive treatment program to address their specific needs.
Partners in this program include: Hamilton County Pretrial and Community Transition Services, Probation, Office of the Public Defender, Prosecutor’s Office (County and City of Cincinnati), Veterans Service Commission, Veterans Affairs, Southern Ohio Forensic Evaluation Services, and volunteer peer mentors. The Hamilton County Veteran Treatment Courts operate in both the Municipal and Common Pleas Courts.
For further information contact:
Greg Street – Program Coordinator
230 E 9th St #1150, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 946-3371 PretrialServices@cms.hamilton-co.org
