COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Mitchell Kalauli, City Magistrate
SUBJECT:Title
Action: Resolution No. 25-3879 Ratifying the Execution of a Funding Agreement with the Arizona Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts, to Support Veterans Treatment Court Services for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Conditions (Mitchell Kalauli)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
Administrative Office of the Courts
PURPOSE:
To consider adopting a resolution ratifying the execution of a Funding Agreement with the Arizona Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts, to Support Veterans Treatment Court Services. This proposal includes the implementation of an incentive program and pro-social events in the amount of $18,729.
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with the FY2026 State Legislative Appropriations, the legislature has provided $750,000 in funding to DES to support Veterans Courts. DES transferred the funding to the Administrative Office of the Courts, AOC, to manage. The funding must be used for Veterans Courts to provide services to Veterans who have substance use disorders and Mental Health Disorders.
The incentive program would include non-tangible incentives such as praise, recognition, reduction in court appearances, and phase promotion. Funding would assist with the purchase of tangible incentives such as transportation tokens, phase dog tags, military challenge coins/tokens/patches/pins, certificates for achievements, hygiene and food items (incentive store), and various gift cards and certificates. All incentives would be individualized and utilized to support the veterans progression in the Treatment Court.
Further, our Veterans Treatment Court would like to provide structured, safe, and engaging pro-social opportunities for Justice Involved Veterans to experience recovery-supportive social opportunities that reinforce the values of service, accountability, and healthy lifestyles. These events aim to strengthen mentor bonds, reduce isolation, transition into alumni groups and encourage participants to develop hobbies, interests, and support systems among justice-involved veterans.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Implementing an incentive program and pro-social events will increase the success rate of Justice Involved Veterans and enhance community safety.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is one time funding, which was shared statewide, based on Veterans Court participants. There is no matching fund requirement for the City nor an obligation to continue the services or programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution No. 25-3879
Master Veterans Court Funding Agreement
Funding Plan for Veterans Treatment Court Funds
SUGGESTED MOTION:.
I move to adopt Resolution No. 25-3879 ratifying the execution of a funding agreement with Arizona Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts, to support Veterans Treatment Court Services for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Conditions and authorize the City staff to deliver all documents necessary to carry out the terms and intent of the Agreement, and take all steps necessary to implement and complete the activities funded and required by the Agreement.