Sometimes problems just keep adding up.
Just like anyone else, Veterans may have legal troubles from time to time. For some, these offenses can become major problems. These problems then get out of hand and can end up in court. Sometimes the Veteran doesn’t understand the court system. Sometimes the court doesn’t understand the Veteran. Sometimes the Veteran needs help in a way that the justice system can’t provide. VA has stepped in to help make sure eligible Veterans get the help they need when they are involved with the courts.
Veterans Justice Outreach Program
The Veterans Justice Outreach Program is designed to work with local authorities and identify Veterans who need additional help to make it out of the judicial system. If you are a Veteran who has been accused of a crime, you may be eligible to receive support and services from the Veterans Justice Outreach Program.
We help Veterans find solutions.
The best way out of a problem is to find a permanent solution. To find the best solution, a Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator will talk with you about your situation to determine the type of help you need.
Our services include:
■ Assistance to Veterans of all eras
■ Referrals to health care services
■ Referrals to mental health services
■ Reporting your progress to the courts (with your permission)
■ Working as a court team member
What we cannot do:
■ Provide legal advice or representation
■ Accept custody of a Veteran
■ Pay bail or bond
■ Address issues of mental capacity or
competency
■ Provide service to Veterans who are not eligible (call us to find out)
Who we work with:
Courts
To provide education about Veterans’ issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. To provide service to Veterans who have been charged with a crime. We also function as part of community treatment court teams.
Police
To provide training on how to recognize when a Veteran needs help and who can help them.
Jails
To identify and arrange services for incarcerated Veterans and to help Veteran inmates successfully rejoin society.
Contact a Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator
Albany and Eastern New York
Courtney Slade
Albany Stratton VA Medical Center
113 Holland Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 626-5368
Bath, Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Ann Smith-Howles
Bath VA Medical Center
76 Veterans Ave.
Bath, NY 1481 0
(607) 664-4372
Buffalo and Western New York
John LaHood
VA Western NY Healthcare System
3495 Bailey Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14215
(716) 881-5855
Rochester and Canandaigua Area
Vincent Schillaci
Rochester VA Outpatient Clinic
465 Westfall Rd.
Rochester, NY 14620
(585) 208-2108
Syracuse and Central New York
Kynna Murphy
Syracuse VA Behavioral Health
Outpatient Center
620 Erie Blvd. West
Syracuse, NY 13204
(315) 425-4400 ext. 51016
Caregiver Support 1-855-260-3274
For help with caring for a disabled Veteran www.caregiver.va.gov
Health Information on the Web www.myhealth.va.gov
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans Hotline
1-877-4AID-VET
1-877-424-3838
TelCare
1-888-838-7890
24-hour, toll-free medical advice for enrolled Veterans
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Veterans Service Contact Center: 1-888-823-9656
For information on eligibility, VA health care benefits, enrollment, or questions on your billing statement