Polk County Veterans Treatment Court

The Tenth Judicial Circuit runs a veterans treatment docket in Polk County alongside its Behavioral Health Court, sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners, under section 394.47891 of the Florida Statutes; see the Florida entry. The circuit's handbook was last revised on April 6, 2018. Getting in. The veteran asks for the case to be transferred. "The prosecutor and the defense counsel evaluate each case and must agree that the case is appropriate", and the judge gives final approval. VA's Veterans Justice Outreach specialist then verifies the veteran's eligibility for VA benefits and assesses treatment needs, and a veteran eligible for VA is sent to the local VA medical facility for a fuller assessment, from which the parties agree a treatment plan. The handbook does not say what happens to a veteran who is not eligible for VA care, and sets no discharge test of its own. Section 394.47891(8) makes admission the court's decision, with its team, and gives the prosecutor no veto. The programme. Three phases, with court visits weekly, then every two weeks, then monthly; a court case manager; and volunteer veteran mentors. Misdemeanor cases last about six months and third-degree felony cases up to twelve. On completion a diversion case may be dismissed and probation may end early. Cost. "Although Behavioral Health Court does not require a fee to participate, you are responsible for paying for the services you receive in the community if required by that provider."