The south OAK cliff veterans treatment court (VTC) aims to serve veterans within the criminal justice system who are struggling with substance use disorders (suds)

The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded a $999,745 Project Grant to the City of Dallas under the Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program (CFDA 16.043). The grant will support the expansion and enhancement of the South Oak Cliff Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) program, which aims to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment and support services to justice-involved veterans struggling with substance use disorders. Key objectives include expanding access and eligibility, ensuring consistent participant selection, conducting outreach and education, providing culturally-sensitive services, and implementing robust data collection and evaluation protocols. The grant funding will enable the VTC program to allocate dedicated docket time, offer a range of support services (e.g., vocational, educational, transitional housing, peer recovery), and ensure the program remains free of charge for participants. The award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2028.

The program is designed to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment and support services, with the overarching goal of reducing recidivism and fostering long-term recovery and community reintegration. Our objectives focus on expanding access and inclusion, ensuring that all eligible veterans can benefit from the program. We have established clear, transparent eligibility criteria to guarantee consistency in participant selection. Extensive outreach and education efforts will inform eligible veterans from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations about the program. To address the diverse needs of participants, staff will receive language and cultural sensitivity training. Participants will benefit from a range of support services, including vocational and educational programs, transitional housing, peer recovery services, and family support services. Community service coordinators will oversee participants' community service activities, working closely with court staff and community partners to ensure successful rehabilitation and integration into the community. To enhance data collection and evaluation, we have implemented robust protocols to track demographic information, geographic distribution, and reasons for program entry or exit. We seek grant funding to support the expansion of eligibility criteria and ensure the program remains free of charge for participants. Specific docket time will be allocated to accommodate veterans with varying levels of need, and there will be no capacity limit.