Congressman John Carter
November 7, Judge Laura Barker recognized seven graduates of the Williamson County Veterans Court. This is the fourth graduation for the program, and the second with Judge Laura Barker presiding.
“I’m truly honored to be a part of the Williamson County Veterans Treatment Court,” states Judge Laura Barker. “It’s especially meaningful with Veterans Day upon us. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for us. This Court provides our county a way to support our veterans and help them become more productive members of our community.”
Williamson County opened its Veterans Court in March of 2015. Men and women with prior military service who have committed a misdemeanor offense are eligible for the program, which offers substance abuse or mental health treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Many of the veterans have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Williamson County currently has 22 veterans in the program. A team including the Prosecutor, Defense Counsel, Mental Health Professionals, Veterans Administration representatives, Adult Probation officer, Specialty Courts Coordinator, and the Judge determine if a person is eligible for the Veterans Court. Then the team determines what the planned path for that individual will be. When starting the program, the veteran is required to report weekly to their probation officer and every two weeks in front of the judge. They gain more independence as they progress through the year.
