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had training, have a training policy manual and a handbook. They have identified the <br /> first person and will be holding the first Veteran's Court. <br /> Skye Lindgreen is the coordinator for Veteran's Court in Grand Island. This is similar to <br /> Drug Court. The Veterans have to be honorably discharged, be eligible for VA benefits <br /> and if they are facing a felony charge they may be eligible. This is an 18 or 24 month <br /> program, the people are screened as high risk individuals or they may be struggling with <br /> mental health issues. <br /> The county attorneys, public defenders, county sheriffs and there are representative <br /> from Buffalo County also that assist these individuals. County Sheriff Conrad sits on the <br /> board. They know the community cares for the veterans. <br /> Skye noted that many veterans have a host of issues that they struggle post-traumatic <br /> stress issues that may lead to substance abuse issues. <br /> Judge Carson stated he appreciates using the Federal Building and they will met <br /> regularly in the court room space. It is very user friendly and allow them to have a <br /> consistent place to meet. They will meet every week and if he is not on location he will <br /> zoom in. He also noted that there is Veteran's Court in Adams County. <br /> They thanked the board for their time. Lancaster thanked Judge Carson and Skye for <br /> providing the information. <br /> Quandt ask if these types of courts are new. Judge Carson stated that with the <br /> passage of LB605 they have started these problem solving courts they try to find <br /> alternatives. Incarceration is not always the answer they have found that when there is <br /> constant intervention and support there is a good success rate. <br /> Gary also ask if they work with Veterans Service offices. Skye stated she met with Don <br /> Shuda and talked to him and she will be meeting with other VSO's she also stated they <br /> work with the state VA. <br /> Gary also ask if they would be working with Region III. Sky stated that they would and <br /> they connect with services and probation also has connections to services. <br /> Lancaster stated she talked to veterans Service Officer Don Shuda and she also sits on <br /> the National Veterans Committee. We are slightly behind but the VA is working hard to <br /> see that we meet the needs of the veterans. <br /> Peterson ask what kind of numbers they may be dealing with. Judge Carson stated that <br /> this has been discussed but they do not know. They have reached out to current jail <br /> populations to see if there are veterans. But they do not know at this time. It may start <br /> with 10 to 20 participants but it may take some time. If someone is in drug court they <br /> could possibly be in veteran's court. Veterans have very different needs and other <br /> issues that play a role in the veteran's issues. <br /> 3 <br />