Commissioners approve MOU to accept $6,760 grant to support regional Veterans Treatment Court

The board approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to accept grant funds to support the regional Veterans Treatment Court the county participates in.

Ryan (probation staff) said the grant from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts would reimburse the county for program supplies such as graduation supplies, training, incentives and participant assistance. He presented an anticipated county award of $6,760 for the period that the grant covers. "The total of the grant funds for the county would we anticipate $6,760 and that runs from July 31, 25 until June of 26," he said.

Judge Marshall (Centre County judge overseeing treatment courts) described the treatment‑court model as a therapeutic, team‑based approach that provides services at a table where judges, probation and service providers coordinate care and supports for participants. "It's a team approach ... you have a bunch of service providers that sit on the team and discuss these individual cases," Judge Marshall said, and added that treatment courts can reduce recidivism by connecting people with services rather than default incarceration.

Commissioners thanked probation staff and the judges for supporting specialty courts including DUI, drug, behavioral health and veterans courts. A motion to approve the MOU with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts was moved, seconded and passed on a voice vote.

Discussion versus decision: the board approved the MOU and acceptance of the grant funds; staff will receive reimbursement for eligible program expenses and will continue operating the Veterans Treatment Court as a multi‑county program.