News Post
2014 Veterans Guide
Published on November 14, 2014
Click the “Download PDF” link above to access the full (54MB), 680 page Veterans Court Guide.
To access the “Table of Contents” of the 2014 Veterans Court Guide individual sections, click here. (PDF)
Click the appropriate toggle below to view and download section documents as PDFs.
- a. History of Veterans Courts (3 Documents)
- The information contained in this section describes the creation of the first Veterans Court in 2008 in Buffalo, New York, and the establishment of these courts in the State of Alabama. Specific items included in this section are as follows:
- b. Model Program Forms (5 Documents)
- This section contains information relating contains forms and other guidance necessary to establish and operate a Veterans Court in the State of Alabama. These forms, which were developed by Veterans Court judges and key personnel, may be reproduced and redistributed. PDF versions of these forms are provided. Specific forms included in this section are as follows:
- c. Key Personnel (4 Documents)
- This section contains information relating to the roles and core competencies for personnel necessary to the operation of a Veterans Court in the State of Alabama. The duties and responsibilities of these persons are included, as well as the 10 Key Components for a successful Veterans Court. Contact information for other personnel, such as Veterans Service Officers, is also provided. Specific items included in this section are as follows:
- d. Mentor Guide (4 Documents)
- This section contains training materials for the Veteran Mentors that serve in the Veterans Courts. These materials include the eligibility requirements to be a Mentor, the duties and responsibilities of Mentors, and a description of the court proceedings. Word versions of these materials are provided for courts to modify the guide to reflect the needs of their jurisdiction. Specific items in this section are as follows:
- e. Military Acronyms (2 Documents)
- This section contains a glossary of military terms and acronyms that will assist Veterans Court personnel in communicating and assisting a Veteran participant.
- f. Substance Abuse Counseling (4 Documents)
- The information contained in this section describes substance abuse counseling services available to Veterans and their family members. This information will assist court personnel in accessing substance abuse treatment for Veterans participating in the Veterans Court. Specific materials included in this section are as follows:
VA
- i. Descriptions of VA SUD Treatment Programs in the SUD Program Locator
- ii. Summary of VA Treatment Programs for Substance Use Programs
Non-VA
- g. Mental Health Counseling (5 Documents)
- The information contained in this section describes mental health counseling services available to Veterans and their family members. This information will assist court personnel in accessing mental health treatment for Veterans participating in the Veterans Court.
VA
Non-VA
- h. Academic and Vocational Training (7 Documents)
- The information contained in this section describes academic and vocational training to Veterans. This information will assist court personnel in accessing academic/vocational training for Veterans participating in the Veterans Court. Specific materials included in this section are as follows:
- Introduction to Academic and Vocational Training
- Summary of VA Education Benefits
- Higher Education Resources for Veterans and their Families
- Alabama Community College System Veterans Services
- Summary of VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits
- Veterans Affairs Assistants (at Alabama State Schools)
- Purple Heart Tuition Waiver Bill (Act No. 2009-590)
- i. Employment (6 Documents)
- This section contains information relating to employment opportunities for Veterans participating in a Veterans Court. Information about job fairs and employment summits targeting Veterans is also provided. Specific items provided are as follows:
- j. Housing (6 Documents)
- This information is intended to provide an overview for the Veteran Mentor to assist with identifying available housing assistance. In most instances, applicants will need to approach the housing provider for information regarding availability and eligibility.
State and Federal VA Housing Options
VA Housing Grant Programs
Summary of VA Home Loan Guaranty Benefits under the USDVA Home Loan Program
- k. Additional Services (24 Documents)
- Many times veterans in the justice system are also in need of additional assistance to successfully transition to self-sufficiency. This section is intended to be used by VC coordinators and mentors to advise veterans of other available resources. The listing below is indicative of the types of resources available to veterans in many Alabama jurisdictions, however each jurisdiction is different and service providers should be contacted at the local level. Resources available in a jurisdiction may be organized by subject.
Medical (7 Documents)
- i. VA Health Care Benefits
- ii. TriCare for Life
- iii. TriCare for Life Handbook
- iv. CHAMPVA Fact Sheet Eligibility
- v. CHAMPVA FAQs
- vi. CHAMPVA Handbook
- vii. Community Clinics
Dental (2 Documents)
Transportation (2 Documents)
Clothes and Shoes (1 Document)
Civil Legal Assistance (10 Documents)
- i. Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Services
- ii. Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program
- iii. Birmingham Bar Association Birmingham Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc
- iv. Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program
- v. South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program
- vi. Legal Services of Alabama
- vii. The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
- viii. Alabama National Guard Legal Assistance Program
- ix. Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution Mini-Grant Application
- x. Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution Mini-Grant Application
Life Insurance (1 Document)
- l. VA Pension Benefits (4 Documents)
- The information contained in this section describes pension benefits available to eligible Veterans through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This information will assist court personnel in accessing pension benefits for eligible Veterans. Specific items included in this section are as follows:
- m. National Guard & Reserve Members & Veterans (3 Documents)
- The information contained in this section describes benefits unique to National Guard and Reserve Members. This information will assist court personnel in accessing resources for members of the National Guard and Reserves participating in the Veterans Court. Specific materials included in this section are as follows:
- n. VA Dependents' & Survivors' Benefits (3 Documents)
- The information contained in this section describes benefits available to eligible dependents and survivors of military personnel. This material will assist court personnel in accessing resources for family members of Veterans participating in the Veterans Court. Specific materials included in this section are as follows: