Seven justice-involved veterans will graduate on Friday, Jan. 13, after completing an intensive program designed to connect veterans suffering from substance abuse and/or mental health disorders with the benefits and treatment they have earned.
The graduation ceremony, which will be held in the courtroom of Judge Maria T. Cenzon, will be the first since the Guam Veteran Treatment Court was founded on Sept.10, 2015.
Dr. Edward Santos, clinical psychologist at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, will deliver the keynote address.
The Guam Veterans Treatment Court combines rigorous treatment and accountability for justice-involved veterans facing incarceration due to charges stemming from substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
This specialty court promotes sobriety, recovery and stability through a coordinated response and the understanding that the bonds of military service and combat run deep. Veterans Treatment Courts not only allow veterans to go through the treatment court process with other veterans who are similarly situated and have common past experiences, but links them with Veterans Affairs services uniquely designed for the distinct needs that arise from that experience.
Veterans Treatment Courts expedite access to veteran-specific resources, including benefits and treatment earned through military service, by involving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care networks, the Veterans Benefits Administration, State Departments of Veterans Affairs, volunteer veteran mentors and veterans and veterans family support organizations