Participant s Handbook

Participant s Handbook

Welcome to the Yellowstone County Veterans Treatment Court, CAMO. This handbook will provide you with a description of what is expected of you as a Veterans Court participant. Participants are encouraged to share this handbook with family and friends. Although the program requirements may seem overwhelming at first, once a routine is established participants do very well and see tremendous benefits in their lives. Three simple rules will ensure success: 1. Be honest 2. Show up 3. Try hard Veteran s Treatment Court Description The Yellowstone Country Veterans Court is a voluntary program that includes regular court appearances before the Judge. Treatment includes weekly individual and group counseling, drug and alcohol testing**, mental health treatment, and regular attendance at recovery support/self-help meetings. You will be provided with referrals for vocational training, education and/or job placement services as necessary. The program s length will be approximately 12-24 months. Ongoing aftercare services can be available to all graduates. **The majority of participants in Veterans Court have substance abuse issues. For those who don t have substance use problems, this is an abstinence based program so testing will apply. Entry into the Yellowstone County Veterans Treatment Court is voluntary. Entry can occur in the pretrial, post-conviction and post sentencing stages of the judicial process. Entry will require that you enter a guilty plea or at some point in your court proceedings. Community supervision is a component of the program, and will include among other requirements, random drug and alcohol testing and unannounced home visits. A contracted defense counsel will continue to represent you throughout your participation in Veterans Treatment Court.

Supervision You will be required to appear in court for progress reviews. The Judge will be given a progress report prepared by the Treatment Team, which includes input from the Probation Department, treatment providers, VA and input from other agencies you work with, regarding your performance in the program. If you are doing well, you will be encouraged to continue with the program, and to work with your treatment team toward success. If you are not doing well, the Judge will discuss this with you and your treatment team, and further action will be determined. With repeated violations or the failure to progress satisfactorily, the Court may decide to discharge you from the program at which point you are entitled to a hearing. 1. Attend all ordered treatment sessions. Program Rules This includes individual and group counseling, educational sessions, doctor appointments, recovery support/self-help meetings, and any other treatment/ team requirements. 2. Report to your Probation Officer or Supervising Officer as directed. You must comply with all conditions of probation as directed by your Probation Officer. You must also notify your Probation Officer prior to any change in residence or phone number. If you are unable to report as directed, contact your Probation Officer immediately. As a participant in Veterans Treatment court your personal property, place of residence, vehicle or personal effects may be searched at any time, with our without a warrant. You must have permission prior to leaving Yellowstone County via a travel permit which must be approved by your Counselor, Judge and Probation or Supervising Officer. No travel permits will be granted within the first 30 days of your programming unless under extenuating circumstances. 3. Submit to drug and alcohol testing. Sobriety is a primary focus of this program. Maintaining a lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol is very important in your recovery process. Do not use or possess any drugs or alcohol. You must be prepared to provide a urine sample at each visit to the VA and Probation. If you fail to provide a monitored urine sample, this will be considered a positive drug test. If you provide a dilute sample, this will also be considered a positive drug test. Use of synthetic or designer drug will not be permitted. Unable to provide and dilute samples may result in a sanction from the Judge. If you are on a SCRAM unit, it must be downloaded Monday-Friday. You must notify your treatment provider and/or probation officer, as well as Community Solutions of any prescription or over-the-counter medication or supplements prior to taking any, unless it is a medical emergency. Participants must inform any treating physician of participation in the Veteran Treatment Court, and cannot be prescribed narcotic medication. A notification card will be provided to you at orientation to present to prescribing doctor of your participation in CAMO.

4. Be on time to all appointments including court appearances. If you are late for a counseling session or testing, you may not be allowed to participate or test and will be considered non-compliant. Court Rules 1. There is to be no smoking in front of the courthouse doors, either set. 2. When addressing the Judge, the participant shall approach the bench with the utmost respect for the position. Veterans will stand at Parade Rest in front of the Judge. 3. Participants will attend all scheduled Court appearances on time, and immediately be seated in the courtroom. 4. Participants will not talk in the courtroom during treatment court proceedings. If it is absolutely necessary to bring your children to the courtroom, please keep them quiet or step out of the courtroom if the need arises. 5. Participants will silence phones and place them in the designated basket upon entry into the court. 6. The participant will remain in the courtroom until he or she is dismissed by the Judge at the conclusion of court. a. In cases of work-related emergencies, a written request asking to be excused must be submitted to the Probation Officer or Compliance Officer. The Probation/ Compliance Officer will present the request to the team for staffing and the Judge will advise the participant of approval or denial. b. In the event of a non-work related emergency, the participant will submit written request to the Probation Officer or Compliance Officer. The request will be presented to the team for staffing and the Judge will advise the participant of approval or denial. 7. If a participant does not appear on his or her regularly scheduled court date and is not excused from court, the Judge may request that a bond Forfeiture Alias Warrant be issued against the participant. Participant Expectations Participants may not make any threats towards other participants or staff or behave in a violent or threatening behavior. Violent or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in arrest and or/ termination from the drug court program. The participant will not possess any dangerous weapon of any kind, including firearms or knives. Participants must not enter any business whose primary item of sale is alcohol or drugs; nor a gaming establishment. Driving while your license is suspended or revoked may result in incarceration, additional penalties and increased license suspension periods. Participants are also expected to appropriately address their transportation needs by relying on properly licensed friends and family members, walking or bicycling or taking public transportation. Monthly bus passes are available upon request.

As a participant in the Veteran Treatment Court, you are prohibited from fraternizing or becoming romantically involved with any other drug court participant or with any other team members. Any Law Enforcement contact must be reported to your Probation or Compliance officer within 24 hours of contact. Dress Code Participants will dress appropriately for Court, compliance office, treatment sessions, and all Treatment Court related functions as follows: No tank tops, muscle shirts, crop-tops, sweat pants, starter jackets or shirts with obscene words or pictures, clothing with alcohol or drug logos, unbuttoned shirts, or see-through shirts. No sagging pants (i.e. pants or shorts that hang below the waist, or with the crotch of the pants hanging to the knees). No underwear or bra straps showing, male or female. No hats, caps, bandanas, or dew rags. No gang attire of any kind. No phones or pagers. No short shorts, even in the summertime. No gum, candy, or beverages in the courtroom. No body piercing jewelry will be worn in the courtroom or any Treatment Court related activity, except appropriate earrings. No new body piercing while in CAMO unless permission is received from Probation/Compliance Officer or the court No new tattoos while in Treatment CAMO unless permission is received from Probation/Compliance Officer or the court Program Fees In order to defray costs of Yellowstone County Veteran s Treatment Court, which includes treatment, community supervision and drug testing, you will be assessed a fee of $50 per week. These fees shall be paid by 12:00 noon each Friday to Community Solutions Inc. (CSI) 207 North 28 th Street St 110. The payment of this fee is a condition of the program. Failure to pay court fees may be grounds for termination from the court. No one will be refused service due to inability to pay, however it is expected that you work with Case Management to develop a payment contract with the court. Treatment Procedures The treatment team will assess what level of treatment will best address your areas of need. The treatment team will provide level of care recommendations to the Judge. If you are admitted to a residential treatment program, your treatment plan will include the requirements of that program. Upon release from a residential program, you will continue your participation in the program as directed by the Court and treatment team. If you are not admitted into a residential treatment program, you will participate in a multi-component, outpatient program developed through the team, which includes developing a treatment

plan, drug testing, counseling, recovery support services, recovery support/self-help meetings, and working with your mentor. If you are not eligible for VA services, you will be served by Rimrock. Drug Testing You will be tested for drug and alcohol use at random times throughout the entire treatment process. Initially, you will be tested a minimum of three times per week. As you progress through the phases of the program, you may be tested less frequently. Additionally, you will be required to wear a SCRAM (alcohol monitoring bracelet) for the first 90 days of the program. SCRAM may be extended beyond the 90 days and may be used at any time to assist the veteran in maintaining abstinence. The Judge will have access to all drug test results, including any failures to test, and may order a drug test at any time. Relapse may occur in recovery; however, a positive, dilute or missed test may result in a court-imposed sanction. Tampering with any drug test will be deemed a positive test and may result in program termination. The Judge will review your overall performance in the program; repeated offenses may result in progressively severe sanctions. Testing is conducted by Community Solutions Inc. 207 North Broadway, Suite 110. They will provide you with testing instructions. Please remember, CSI has shortened hours on Holidays. Counseling Substance abuse counseling is comprised of three separate formats: individual, group and family. As part of your treatment plan, you may be required to participate in all types of counseling if it is appropriate. Together they are designed to develop self-awareness, self-discipline, and coping mechanisms necessary to maintain your sobriety. You may be required to attend additional treatment such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) groups, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) treatment, anger management, parenting, Yoga, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and any other treatment the CAMO team recognizes as needed. Your attendance at both individual and group counseling sessions will be reported to the Judge as part of your progress report. You are required to be excused directly by your counselor prior to the session. No counselor can excuse another counselor s client. If a client is ill, a doctor s note may be required and must be provided within 24 hours. Leaving a voice mail, asking to be excused, will not count as a valid reason to miss treatment appointments. Mentor Program You may be assigned a volunteer veteran mentor, who will provide additional support and guidance. Weekly contact is expected and encouraged. Recovery Support/Self-Help Meetings You may be required to attend recovery support/self-help meetings. The frequency of required attendance is determined by your progress in the program. Attendance is an important part of the recovery process. The meetings will familiarize you with the recovery support/self-help philosophy, and help you to create social bonds with other recovering individuals. Your treatment team will provide you with information regarding the time and location of some meetings and will also direct you to special interest and recovery events in your community. You must provide proof of attendance during each court appearance. The program requires you to have a sponsor and work the steps of your program.

Court Phases Veterans Court is a five-phase, highly-structured program, lasting on average 12 to 24 months. Individual progress will vary. Each phase consists of specified treatment objectives and specific requirements for advancement into the next phase. Requirements for advancement from each phase are described below. Orientation Phase/ Phase I - Treatment Plan Development/Stabilization Length: Minimum of 30 days In Phase I, your needs will be assessed by the treatment team. Your progress will be closely monitored and reported to the Judge. Requirements include: Participate in full assessment in order to determine treatment needs. Course of treatment is individualized according to participant needs. Participate in all forms of treatment as directed by the treatment team. Comply with additional case management services as determined by the treatment team. Drug and alcohol testing at least three times per week minimum. Take non-narcotic medication as directed by medical and mental health professionals. Attend a minimum of three recovery support/self-help meetings per Report to probation officer as directed. Attend weekly court appearances as determined by the Judge. Meet with individual team members as instructed. If matched, meet with mentor weekly. Advancement Criteria: No positive drug test results (including missed, tampered or diluted tests) for 15 consecutive days. No unexcused absences from scheduled services for 15 consecutive days. Non-narcotic medication taken as directed. Documentation of required minimum attendance at recovery support/self-help meetings for a minimum of 15 days. Actively seek a recovery support/self-help sponsor. Demonstrate a positive adjustment to treatment as evidenced by completion of assignments and application of skills. Seeking employment or productive use of time such as community service or school attendance. Phase II - Ongoing Treatment/Aftercare Length: Minimum of 60 days Participate in full assessment in order to determine treatment needs. Course of treatment is individualized according to participant needs. Participate in all forms of treatment as directed by the treatment team.

Comply with additional case management services as determined by the treatment team. Drug and alcohol testing at least three times per week minimum. Take non-narcotic medication as directed by medical and mental health professionals. Attend a minimum of three recovery support/self-help meetings per week and actively seek a recovery support/self-help sponsor. Report to probation officer as directed. Participate in clean & sober recreation. Attend weekly court appearances as determined by the Judge. Meet with individual team members as instructed. If matched, meet with mentor weekly. Advancement Criteria: No positive drug test results (including missed, tampered or diluted tests) for 45 consecutive days. No unexcused absences from scheduled services for 45 consecutive days. Non-narcotic medication taken as directed. Documentation of required minimum attendance at recovery support/self-help meetings for a minimum of 45 days. Must have a recovery support/self-help sponsor. Demonstrate a positive adjustment to treatment as evidenced by completion of assignments and application of skills. Employment or productive use of time such as community service or school attendance. Payment of fees Phase III - Ongoing Treatment/Aftercare Length: Minimum of 90 days In Phase III, Your treatment plan will be updated to identify ongoing treatment goals. Counseling and meetings will focus on areas that are challenging for you, and will identify ways of coping with stressful situations. Phase III requirements include: Participate in all forms of treatment as directed by the treatment team. Comply with additional case management services as determined by the treatment team. Drug and alcohol test as directed. Take non-narcotic medication as directed by medical and mental health professionals. Attend a minimum of three recovery support/self-help meetings per week, maintenance of a recovery support/self-help sponsor. Report to team members as instructed. Participate in clean and sober recreation. Maintain employment or engage in productive use of time such as community service and school attendance. Formulate personal goals in conjunction with the treatment team such as vocational/educational counseling, psychotherapy, exercise, anger management, parenting skills.

Attend biweekly or monthly Court appearances as determined by the Judge. Initiate volunteer project. If matched, meet with mentor. Advancement Criteria: No positive drug test results (including missed, tampered or diluted tests) for 45 consecutive days. No unexcused absences from scheduled services for 60 consecutive days. Non-narcotic medication taken as directed. Employment or productive use of time such as community service or school attendance. Documentation of attendance at no fewer than three recovery support/self-help meetings per week, and having a recovery support/self-help sponsor for a minimum of 45 days. 15 hours of volunteer project completed Demonstrate of a positive adjustment to ongoing treatment. Pay court ordered fees. Phase IV Relapse Prevention Length: Minimum of 90 days Phase IV will address ongoing recovery needs. The focus will be on daily living skills. This phase is designed to support you as a productive and responsible member of our community. Phase IV requirements include: Participate in all forms of treatment as directed by the treatment team. Attend other treatment services as determined to be necessary by the treatment team. Drug and alcohol test as directed. Take non-narcotic medication as directed by medical and mental health professionals. Attend a minimum of at least three recovery support/self-help meetings per week and maintenance of a recovery support/self-help sponsor. Report to team members as directed. Participate in clean and sober recreation. Maintain full-time employment and/or progress toward an educational goal. Participate in community service as determined by the team. Attend court as determined by the Judge. Advancement Criteria: No positive drug test results (including missed, tampered or diluted tests) for 90 consecutive days. No unexcused absences from scheduled services for 60 consecutive days. Take non-narcotic medication as directed. Employment or actively pursuing a vocational/academic degree.

Documentation of required attendance at no fewer than three recovery support/self-help meetings each week. Progress towards treatment plan goals. Have a clear understanding of recovery support/self-help concepts. Complete additional 15 hours of volunteer project. Demonstrate positive adjustment to treatment. Fees paid or adhering to budget Phase V Achievement/Graduation Length: Minimum 90 days Phase V Will transition from the Yellowstone County Veterans Court structure to a lifestyle more representative of what you will experience following graduation. Phase V requirements include: Participate in all forms of treatment as directed/instructed by the treatment team. Attend individual counseling session to complete an exit plan. Attend other treatment services as determined to be necessary by the treatment team. Drug and alcohol test on a random basis. Take non-narcotic medication as directed by medical and mental health professionals. Attend recovery support/self-help meetings as determined by the treatment team. Report to team members as directed. Participate in clean and sober recreation. Maintain full-time employment and/or progress toward a vocational/educational goal. Continue established mentoring relationships. Consider becoming a mentor to a new Veterans Court participant in the future. Attend court as directed by the Judge. Graduation Criteria: No positive drug test results (including missed, tampered, or diluted tests) for 90 consecutive days. No unexcused absences from scheduled services for 90 consecutive days. Gainful employment or productive use of time including community service or school attendance. Take non-narcotic medication as directed. Maintain consistent attendance at all court appearances and treatment team appointments. Achievement of stable living arrangements and healthy interpersonal relationships. A definitive aftercare plan, which may include recovery support/self-help meetings, VA outpatient counseling, group attendance at a former residential program, or active participation in the Veterans Court alumni group. Fulfillment of goals as stated in the individual treatment plan. Proof of attendance at all other events or courses as required by the Judge. Completion of volunteer project (may be presented to the team)

Completion of a relapse prevention plan (may be presented to the team) The graduation ceremony, conducted in the courtroom, is a time to celebrate your success and to allow others in earlier stages to become encouraged and motivated to succeed as well. Once you have successfully completed the criteria for each Phase, you will advance to the next level and eventually be a candidate to graduate from the Veterans Court. The final decision regarding advancement from each phase and graduation is determined solely by the Judge, assisted by input from the team. Your family and other important persons may be invited to join you at graduation. Incentives: During the course of your Treatment Court program, if you are in compliance during the program, the Veterans Court Judge may reward your positive progress and/or pro-social behavior with incentives. The following is not an exhaustive list. Court-announced perfect compliance list Drawings for gift certificates Applause/Praise from Judge & team Sports/Concert tickets Advancement to next phase Fewer court appearances Called first & leave early Adjust curfew Fun sober events Grant travel privileges Graduation ceremony Sanctions If you have failed to follow rules, achieve progress or are otherwise noncompliant, the Veteran s Court Judge may impose sanctions. The following is not an exhaustive list. Admonishment from the Judge Write an essay and read it aloud Increased reporting Increased frequency of court appearances

Community Service Lengthen time in program, requiring an admission of a probation violation Periods of incarceration Therapeutic Responses If you need additional support due to a recent relapse or experiencing triggers, the Judge may impose a Therapeutic Response. The following is not an exhaustive list. Increased Self-Help meetings Increased drug testing Paper Assigned Additional Therapy Balance Sheet Case Management Upon your entry into the Veterans Court program, your treatment team will assess your housing, transportation, family situation and general living needs. When appropriate, the team will refer you to local, state and/or county agencies for additional assistance. Confidentiality Your identity and privacy will be protected consistent with Federal Regulations and State laws (e.g., 42CFR, Part 2; 45CFR, Parts 160 and 164; CA Health & Safety Code Sections 11812(c) and 5328). You will be asked to sign a waiver authorizing the transfer of information among all participating agencies. An identification number will be assigned to you that will be used in all research and evaluation activities to insure confidentiality. You are required to maintain confidentiality of other Veteran Court participants. Conclusion The Veterans Court program is designed to help you live in our community as a productive and responsible citizen. The Judge, the Court staff, and the treatment team will guide and assist you, but the final responsibility is yours. You must be committed to a better life. Remember the three basic rules: 1. Be honest 2. Show up 3. Try hard

Contact Information Michelle Shaw CAMO Court/ Mentor Coordinator Terry Stapleton Case Manager 406.690.5749 406.200.5055 Mary Aggers State Probation and Parole Walt Shore Outpatient Counselor 406.896.5434 406.794.1393 Adam Flores Community Solutions, Inc. Fred Snodgrass Attorney at Law 207 North Broadway STE 110 406.672.1062 Office: 406.896.4912 Jennifer Verhasselt Rimrock Treatment Supervisor 406.647.2384 Jeri Anderson VA Justice Outreach Specialist 406.437.1686