BlivisitstHeveteranstreatmentcourt bar leadership Institute
bLI visiting the Veterans Treatment Court
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hold them accountable , and at the same time , apply the fair administration of justice .
BLI class members listened attentively as Judge Scionti gave a tour of the courtroom , introduced members to the Veterans Treatment Court staff , and provided examples of the court ’ s success stories . BLI class member , Idalis Vento , stated , “ Seeing the room full of mentors , family , and the people graduating showed that it takes a village . Recovery takes time and the model that has been implemented seems to be working in helping people get the help they need from people that have been in similar situations .”
The mentors are not just present for court , but are resources for the veterans to draw upon . In fact , on Thanksgiving , these mentors provided boxes of holiday food to those participating in VTC . Judge Scionti aided in this process , wanting the Veterans to know they are prioritized and valued .
It is both the wide-reaching influence of Judge Scionti , as well as the Court ’ s prioritization of treating veterans by focusing on their mental , physical , and emotional needs , that has enabled this program to become the national model for rehabilitative courts .
BLI member Judy Winslow Hoffman , shared , “ The VTC is awe-inspiring in the quest for restorative justice . Although it is not always an easy path , it is most definitely doable and life-restoring for those who choose to follow and willingly participate in the process . Also , it appears to be a team effort with no one left behind , if at all avoidable . Everyone should take the time to observe Veterans Treatment Court at least once in their legal career .” n
Authors : David Chee – United States Department of Justice & Paige Tucker – Hillsborough County Public Defender ’ s Office
J a n - f e b 2 0 2 3 | H C b a L a W Y e R
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