- Mentors -
Qualities of a Strong Veteran Mentor
• Active listener
• Empathetic
• Encouraging and supportive
• Positive military service
• Tolerant and respectful of individual differences
• Knowledge of community resources and services
Inquiry: All inquiries about participating as a Veteran Mentor will be directed to the Mentor Coordinator, who will respond to any prospective mentor inquires.
Eligibility: Each Veteran Mentor must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the “Veteran Mentor Requirements” section. Extenuating circumstances may be reviewed at the discretion of the VC Mentor and Court Coordinator.
Knowledge of a Prospective Mentor’s Negative History: Current Veteran Mentors with knowledge of any prospective mentor’s history or background that may jeopardize the integrity of the program, the VC, or the participants, must communicate this knowledge and/or concerns to the Mentor and Court Coordinator, or the Judge.
Screening: Each prospective Veteran Mentor must complete a screening process. The decision to accept or deny an applicant will be made by the VC Mentor and Court Coordinator, and the Judge. feedback regarding the prospective mentor’s denial may or may not be given. The right to withhold or give feedback is solely at the discretion of the Mentor and, the VC Coordinator, and Judge.
The screening process includes the completion and review of the following:
• Personal interview
• Background check
• Veterans Court Mentor Agreement form
Training: All prospective mentors must complete the required initial training in order to be eligible to begin mentoring.
Training will include, but is not limited to:
• Observation of several court sessions
• Discussion of the experience of court observations
Unacceptable Behavior: Unacceptable behaviors will not be tolerated while a Veteran Mentor is participating in the program. Because of the direct impact a mentor has on a veteran participant, behaviors that are not aligned with the mission, vision, goals, and values of Veterans Court are unacceptable and prohibited. The determination of any such unacceptable behavior shall be in the sole discretion of the Judge or Court Coordinator.
Recognition and Awards: All mentors will be recognized for their role in the Davidson County Veterans Court program. The VC Mentor and Court Coordinator are responsible for planning and implementing recognition activities at least once per year.
Volunteer Mentors in
Veterans Treatment Courts
Veterans Treatment Courts are successful in part because they link troubled veterans with volunteer veteran mentors. Local Veterans Treatment Courts harness the camaraderie that exists among members of the Armed Forces by training veterans from the community to volunteer and serve as mentors for other veterans. The Mentor Corps builds on the undeniable truth; there is no bond as strong as the one that exists between those who have fought for their country.
Serving as a mentor not only helps veterans involved in the program, it also provides the veteran mentor a critical role in the community and a sense of fulfillment that can only be achieved when one veteran saves the life of another.
It is critical that volunteer mentors in Veterans Treatment Court receive training on how to effectively and responsibly mentor program participants.
The Davidson County Veterans Court can arrange for critical training for Volunteer Veteran Mentors wanting to be of service and assistance to their fellow veterans. Volunteer veterans will learn how to effectively mentor struggling veterans participating in a Veterans Treatment Court. Course-work includes examining the roles, responsibilities and boundaries of veteran mentors; the unique issues facing combat veterans; and how to swiftly connect mentee veterans to the local, state and national services and benefits they have earned.
Training provided by Justice For Vets can help mentors make a real difference for fellow Veterans and help put them back on the path to a stable, productive and successful life. If you are interested in being a mentor, please contact the Davidson County Veterans Court at 615.862.8320.
