[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 179 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE EL PASO VETERANS' TREATMENT COURT

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                           HON. BETO O'ROURKE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2015

  Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition 
of the El Paso Veterans' Treatment Court Program, presided over by the 
Honorable Angie Juarez Barill and operating out of the 346th District 
Court of El Paso, Texas. I am pleased to recognize the El Paso 
Veterans' Treatment Court Program as an initiative that works hard to 
``leave no veteran behind and honor their service.''
  As the second program of its kind in the state of Texas, the El Paso 
Veterans' Treatment Court Program has provided resources to numerous 
Veterans in the criminal justice system. Since 2009, the initiative has 
aided eligible Veterans and active duty Service Members who are charged 
with misdemeanor criminal offenses; in 2012 the program was expanded to 
include felony criminal offenses. The participants are diverted from 
the traditional criminal justice system and are assessed for substance 
abuse and mental health issues. Upon meeting program entrance 
requirements, participants receive an individualized treatment plan and 
attend frequent review hearings before the program judge.
  In addition to providing comprehensive substance abuse and mental 
health treatment, the five phase program also includes officials from 
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to determine the Veteran 
participants' eligibility for further aid. The Veterans Benefits 
Administration assesses the Veteran for disability compensation, 
education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation qualifications. The 
Veterans Health Administration also assesses the Veteran to determine 
eligibility for housing and medical services. The program operates on a 
personal level as well, in order to address employment opportunities 
and individual needs.
  The El Paso Veterans' Treatment Court Program provides an alternative 
route for Veterans and active duty Service Members in the criminal 
justice system. The initiative practices a holistic approach, providing 
resources, addressing treatment concerns and engaging in judicial 
monitoring. These necessary tools help participants engage in society 
as law-abiding citizens. The initiative has been widely successful in 
El Paso and recently received the prestigious Texas Veterans Commission 
Patriot Award in recognition of their diligence. I am proud that 
programs such as the El Paso Veterans' Treatment Court exist in my 
district and are available to help those who served our country.

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