The Stearns County Veterans Protocol Team is recruiting new members. The Veterans Protocol is a 7th Judicial District treatment-focused program for military veterans who are charged in court with mental health or substance related offense. The intention of the protocol is to offer an alternative court process for veterans whose military experiences may have contributed to their legal issues.

The Protocol Team is trying to increase its effectiveness by expanding the mentorship piece of the program. Mentors are an essential component. The purpose of the mentors is to give the veteran participants a positive social connect with fellow veterans. Veterans often enter into the protocol with great motivation to make changes. Many are able to face these changes head-on without much mentoring or assistance. However, some of them need that interaction to keep motivated in order to achieve their treatment goals. All vets could benefit from regular positive social interactions.

Mentors need no legal background or experience, just a desire to help a fellow veteran. Generally, mentors are expected to make weekly contact with assigned veterans through a phone call or an in-person meeting. Mentors also need to meet the MN statutory definition of veteran status.

For more information on becoming a mentor, contact Cory Vaske, Stearns County Veteran Service Officer at 320-656-6176. The team is looking for prospective members to start as soon as possible. Initial Mentor training is currently scheduled for May 16, 2018 through Independent Lifestyles in Sauk Rapids.