HERALD-TIMES
By Ernest Rollins
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The Monroe County Community Corrections program is expanding its services to help area military veterans after receiving funding for a district veterans court.
At last week’s work session, the Monroe County Council appropriated $64,440 to pay the salary plus fringe benefits for a new probation officer to be assigned to the court.
The funds come from a one-year grant the probation department was awarded by the Indiana Judicial Center.
“Veterans court will be part of our local continuum of services,” Chief Probation Officer Linda Brady said. “It is not uncommon for veterans to have issues such as traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. There are services available specifically for veterans that our new veterans court will be able to help them access.”
Monroe County has a state-certified Problem Solving Court program that is divided into several areas offering services to offenders with certain needs and of certain types. For example, the drug treatment court assists nonviolent felons who have significant alcohol or drug abuse addictions.
The veterans court will focus on helping veterans in the felony system. However, it will not only help Monroe County veterans but will accept referrals from other counties in the judicial district such as Owen, Lawrence and Greene counties, Brady said.
