Education covers an array of topics that will provide useful information to the Veteran Mentors so they can better assist the Veterans they are serving. Education to improve the ability of a Veteran Mentor focuses on increasing positive outcomes with the Veteran’s Court and the overall well-being of the Veteran being served.

The education classes provided will be as follows:

• Understanding the Veterans Court Handbook and Requirements
• Substance Abuse and the Disease Concept
• Resources, referral and Case Management-PIE Perspective
• Depression and Suicide Prevention-Family Speaker
• Criminal Justice and the Legal System-Judge or Attorney Speaker
• Intro to the 12-Steps
• Cultural Competence and Humility
• Communication Techniques-Assertiveness and Setting Boundaries
• Confidentiality and Building Trust and Rapport
• How to Listen- Empathy and Compassion
• Trauma
• Stress Management-Balance, Exercise, Nutrition and well-being
• Spirituality and Coping Skills
• Mental Health Disorders

These educational classes aim to accomplish the following objectives:

• Improve knowledge, comprehension and understanding of the psycho-educational information being provided
• Increase confidence, worth, satisfaction and competence of the veteran mentors
• Improve Veteran Court Client Outcomes
• Improve the overall well-being of the veteran being served