Post 3258 Members, who serve as Mentors in the Bucks County Veterans Court program are recognized for their outstanding work.
Read their stories see the latest changesto the court system below these images.
Rob Kurtz receives a certificate for all his efforts in the Mentor Program.
Mike Witanek receives a certificate for all his efforts in the Mentor Program.
Anthony Callum receives a certificate for all his efforts in the Mentor Program.
Woody Hipple receives special recognition from State for his continued and inspiring efforts in the Mentoring Program
The Bucks County Veterans Treatment Court Effective October 1, 2024
by Woody Hippel
The Bucks County Veterans Court, actually commenced in 2012 and continued to serve Veteran Participants through September 30, 2024. On October 1, 2024, the program transitioned with certification requirements established by the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts and became the Bucks County Veteran Treatment Court (VTC) Program. The Veteran “Treatment “Court Program is presently operating in about 450 Courts across the Country. The goal of certification is the standardization of Veteran Treatment Courts in operation in PA and linking them through best practices to enhance the credibility and professionalism of the program toward better serving our Veterans.
The Bucks County VTC is a diversionary program allowing Veterans in the criminal justice system to apply to be moved from regular Common Pleas Criminal Court and into Veterans Treatment Court if accepted by the VTC Team. This VTC consists of a dedicated Judge, Court Coordinator, Asst District Attorney, Public Defender, US Veterans Administration Officials (VJO), Bucks County Probation Officers, and Volunteer Mentor Coordinator and Volunteer Veteran Mentors. Veteran Treatment Courts assist veterans charged with crimes who are struggling with alcohol/ drug addiction, mental health issues and co-occurring disorders and come in contact with the criminal justice system. Utilizing the successful drug court model, Veteran Participants , uniquely come before a judge on a regular basis, receive support and guidance from veteran mentors, are supervised by specialized probation officers and receive treatment and support from the Veterans Administration to address underlying problems often caused by post-traumatic stress disorders. The Bucks County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) offers a solution by connecting justice-involved veterans to appropriate services in a court setting, surrounded by an interdisciplinary team, all of whom work collaboratively to help veterans toward program success. The VTC Team seeks to primarily motivate and encourage Veterans toward their treatment success through a combination of Incentives and Sanctions as needed.
The VTC requires a significant commitment from the participating Veteran who is closely monitored by the Office of the DA, Probation and VA, with encouragement and support from the entire treatment team and the Participant’s assigned Mentor.
The VTC program currently has 5 phases of treatment engagement, (no longer 2 Phases as was the case under the original Veterans Court). All 5 phases at the minimum could be successfully completed within 15 months (upon program entry under Pretrial,) while the maximum exposure to the Program is 60 months.
With over 800,000 veterans, Pennsylvania has the fourth-largest population of Veterans in the country.
Anyone wishing further information about the Veteran Volunteer Mentor Program with=in the VTC Program is encouraged to contact Mentor Coordinator Woody Hippel at woody@veteranscourtbucks.org