Veterans Mentoring Veterans

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Veterans with misdemeanor or felony charges are selected to go through Seminole County Veterans Treatment Court. This court is divided in 4 phases and lasts up to one year. During that time the veteran meets with with the VA, counseling, drug treatment if needed, probation and their mentor who is also a Veteran.

Court is twice a month and Mentors are encouraged to be in court when possible so they can stand with their mentee as they face the judge. Court is always on a Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Veteran Mentors are Battle Buddies for the veterans in the court system. All branches of military are needed. duties include:

• Mentor Orientation and training.
• Participate in and lead mentoring sessions with mentee in accordance set by the Mentor Team (Leader - Coordinator).
• Be supportive of the mentee’s treatment and progress and (steer-encourage) him/her towards program compliance and success.
• Be honest with mentee, SCVTC Team Leaders and the court at all times.
• Mentors shall take immediate action to encourage the mentee to contact suicide resources including dialing 911, if there are indications of suicidal thoughts attempts, or plans on part of the mentee. Mentors should keep current resource numbers with you at all times, and ensure the the SCVTC Team Leaders information is up to date. Contact the Team Leader if you suspect your mentee is suicidal. Either the Team Leader or the SCVTC Coordinator will notify the court.
• Act as a coach, guide, role model, advocate and support person for your mentee.
• Provide resources and referrals as (needed - available and desired).
• Be available to offer suggestions and general (guidance - support).
• Be available to offer (support - a "Battle Buddy") when he/she feels alone frustrated, anxious.
• Attend all scheduled court sessions of your veteran participant (unless excused by the SCVTC Coordinator - as often as possible).
• Mentors are not: parents, professional counselors, social worker, doctor, case manager, probation officer, judge, attorney (or loan source).
• Mentors (are - should) not to discuss legal issues (pertaining to the Vet Court case).
• Commitment of at least one year (or until graduation of assigned mentee) as a mentor.

In order to be included, you will need to complete and application, background check and finger prints. The Veteran Mentor Coordinator will contact you to answer any questions you have and set the process up.

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rsvp.seminole@vcifl.org