Latest news with #LakeCountyVeteransTreatmentCourt
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Chief Justice Rush lauds Veterans Court graduates for repairing their lives
Before entering Lake County Veterans Treatment Court, Derek Akins lost his wife, children and house. After 18 months in the program, Akins found housing, a job, got remarried and is working to reconnect with his children. 'If you would've seen him 18 months ago, he's not the same guy standing here. I am so proud of the hard work he did on himself,' said Lake County Superior Court Judge Julie Cantrell, who leads the county's veterans treatment court. Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush addressed the 26 graduates — the program's largest ever graduating class — as well as their mentors and families during a Wednesday ceremony, which marked the completion of 18 to 24 months of drug treatment program and expungement of the charges against them. Veterans treatment courts 'represent the highest ideals in our democracy,' Rush said. The Indiana Constitution dictates that the criminal justice system 'should be built on principles of reformation not vindictive justice,' Rush said. Further, there's the religious teaching to love your neighbor, she said. 'You put those two things together and you see the justice system using the power of the law to sort of heal a wounded world,' Rush said. 'That's what I see here. Justice tempered with mercy, respecting the individuals who are going through.' Since its 2014 start, the Lake County Veterans Treatment Court has had more than 300 veterans complete the program, Rush said. That means hundreds more people benefited from the program, Rush said, because with each graduate families, friends and coworkers have also benefited from a more positive relationship with the graduate. The justice system is the primary referral source to get people who need substance abuse treatment, Rush said. In Indiana, judges have been trained to help people with substance abuse disorders and mental health needs, she said. 'You can not incarcerate your way out of this,' Rush said. 'Substance abuse is a chronic, treatable disease. It's not a moral failure. People that find themselves wrapped up in this, it's not fun.' Rush thanked Cantrell for leading the county's veterans treatment court. But, the hardest work is done by the veterans in the program, because they have to overcome difficult challenges, she said. In the end, Rush said it's an honor to watch the veterans in the program repair relationships with their families and friends, find jobs and advance their lives in a positive way. 'I am so proud of you in getting this done. You have walked through the fires of hell for the country. You've walked through a challenging program,' Rush said. Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said his office has made referrals to the veterans treatment court because the office officials 'believe in redemption.' Graduate Kenneth Jackson, of Lansing, Illinois, said he served U.S. Army from 1990-1994. Jackson said he was proud to complete the program because it gave him 'a clean slate.' The program helps with accountability, Jackson said, because of the daily check-ins, drug tests and working with a mentor. Jackson said the program isn't easy, but after completing it he feels healthier. 'It was a long road,' Jackson said. 'It was tough, but I'm happy to be here.' akukulka@
Chicago Tribune
14-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Chief Justice Rush lauds Veterans Court graduates for repairing their lives
Before entering Lake County Veterans Treatment Court, Derek Akins lost his wife, children and house. After 18 months in the program, Akins found housing, a job, got remarried and is working to reconnect with his children. 'If you would've seen him 18 months ago, he's not the same guy standing here. I am so proud of the hard work he did on himself,' said Lake County Superior Court Judge Julie Cantrell, who leads the county's veterans treatment court. Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush addressed the 26 graduates — the program's largest ever graduating class — as well as their mentors and families during a Wednesday ceremony, which marked the completion of 18 to 24 months of drug treatment program and expungement of the charges against them. Veterans treatment courts 'represent the highest ideals in our democracy,' Rush said. The Indiana Constitution dictates that the criminal justice system 'should be built on principles of reformation not vindictive justice,' Rush said. Further, there's the religious teaching to love your neighbor, she said. 'You put those two things together and you see the justice system using the power of the law to sort of heal a wounded world,' Rush said. 'That's what I see here. Justice tempered with mercy, respecting the individuals who are going through.' Since its 2014 start, the Lake County Veterans Treatment Court has had more than 300 veterans complete the program, Rush said. That means hundreds more people benefited from the program, Rush said, because with each graduate families, friends and coworkers have also benefited from a more positive relationship with the graduate. The justice system is the primary referral source to get people who need substance abuse treatment, Rush said. In Indiana, judges have been trained to help people with substance abuse disorders and mental health needs, she said. 'You can not incarcerate your way out of this,' Rush said. 'Substance abuse is a chronic, treatable disease. It's not a moral failure. People that find themselves wrapped up in this, it's not fun.' Rush thanked Cantrell for leading the county's veterans treatment court. But, the hardest work is done by the veterans in the program, because they have to overcome difficult challenges, she said. In the end, Rush said it's an honor to watch the veterans in the program repair relationships with their families and friends, find jobs and advance their lives in a positive way. 'I am so proud of you in getting this done. You have walked through the fires of hell for the country. You've walked through a challenging program,' Rush said. Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said his office has made referrals to the veterans treatment court because the office officials 'believe in redemption.' Graduate Kenneth Jackson, of Lansing, Illinois, said he served U.S. Army from 1990-1994. Jackson said he was proud to complete the program because it gave him 'a clean slate.' The program helps with accountability, Jackson said, because of the daily check-ins, drug tests and working with a mentor. Jackson said the program isn't easy, but after completing it he feels healthier. 'It was a long road,' Jackson said. 'It was tough, but I'm happy to be here.'
Chicago Tribune
08-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Lake County Council plans law enforcement recognition for May 13
The Lake County Council will recognize the outstanding efforts of several members of law enforcement at its May 13 meeting as part of National Police Week, May 15-21. The School City of East Chicago and the Lake County Veterans Treatment Court will also be acknowledged for their recent honors. Those issued commendations and special recognition from the Lake County Sheriff's Department include patrol officers Matt Anderson, John Garreffa and Morgan Kral. Other honorees include Detective Shane Ratkovich, Detective Sergeant Cody Mansfield and Officers James Madere and Eric Smith Jr., for outstanding felony case support. Detective Sergeants Michael Hinch and Joseph Molina will be recognized for their sustained superior performance and Reserve Police Officers Michael Tabor and Ashley Coniglio for their outstanding law enforcement support. Also recognized will be the School City of East Chicago which earned honors in the 2025 Magna Awards Program for Innovation and the Lake County Veterans Treatment Court for being named one of the five National Mentor Courts by All Rise's Justice for Vets division and the U.S. Department of Justice. The council is expected to make several appointments including four-year terms to Gary resident Robert Farag and Hammond resident Tom Novak to Lake County Library boards and a three-year term to Randy Palmateer to the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.
