The Illinois Supreme Court approved the recertification of the Kane County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) program on September 25, 2023. Members of the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health, along with the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts, completed a review of the application for recertification and the policies and procedures of the program and found them all to be in compliance with the Illinois Supreme Court Problem-Solving Court Standards. Judge Marmarie J. Kostelny has presided over the Veterans Treatment Court since its inception.
“The Veterans Treatment Court team is very pleased with this recertification. Recertification acknowledges that our policies, procedures, and practices are evidence-based, effective, and conform to the high standards set forth by our Supreme Court,” Kostelny said.
Problem-solving courts, sometimes referred to as specialty courts or treatment courts, provide an alternative for certain individuals in the criminal justice system who suffer from underlying issues, such as those with mental health conditions or substance use disorders. These courts utilize a therapeutic and collaborative approach, working with community treatment providers to address behavioral health issues.
The Veterans Treatment Court in Kane County began in 2018 to assist veterans and service members who have provided invaluable service to our nation but have encountered the criminal justice system. The team assists participants in obtaining help for post-traumatic stress disorders, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders.
Problem-solving court programs are intensive and require frequent court appearances, close monitoring in the community, completion of all required treatment, and frequent random drug testing.
Kostelny added, “The Veterans Treatment Court program has been shown to not only improve the lives of the individuals in the program but helps improve the lives of the family members of the participants and the communities in which they live.”
—16th Judicial Circuit, Kane County Judicial Center