west valley team mentors

The utilization of mentors is a new concept for Justice Courts but not for specialty courts. The most common question I receive is "What is a mentor?" I had a team member provide an explanation which is below. I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful resource but, I will not order it. I have been impressed with the dedication these individuals have to helping veterans. These volunteers are not members or officers of the court in any way. If you would like to take advantage of their incredible resources you will need to make the first contact with the mentor. All of the programs offered through the mentors require Veteran status; this will be confirmed by the court through the VA.  

Thanks, 

Judge Donald Watts

Co-chairs for the West Valley Team Mentors are:

Jerry S. USMC oldbreed767@gmail.com

Bobbie K. USA Roberta1552@msn.com

What is a mentor?

Role of a Veteran Mentor:

Veteran Mentors are veteran volunteers responsible for serving as a supporter, guide and confidant for veteran participants in Veterans Treatment Court. Mentors provide support as participants progress through the Veterans Treatment Court and work collaboratively to assist participants, and where appropriate, their families, in successfully completing the directives of the court. Veterans are encouraged to utilize the resource of the mentors but will not be ordered by the court.  

Veteran Mentors will:

1. Meet with participants to assist in resolving their issues.
2. Each meeting builds on participants' previous conversations.
3. Meetings are ideally conducted in person, however they may be conducted over the telephone, by email, text or by virtual audio or web conferencing.
4. Refer participants to appropriate services.
5. Facilitates an understanding of courtroom procedures.
6. Work collaboratively with the court, other mentors and the mentor coordinators.
7. Maintain federal confidentiality standards.

Mentor Expectations:

1. Meet with mentee as soon as possible.
2. Ensure receiving two calls per week from the mentee.
3. Attend court hearings with mentee as possible.
4. Report mentee issues to the Mentor Coordinator.
5. Complete the Mentor log and submit to the Mentor Coordinator.
6. Attend any scheduled mentor support meetings and/or mentee events.

Mentors must NOT:

1. Make clinical recommendations.
2. Give legal advice.
3. Provide psychotherapy.
4. Utilize a stern approach.
5. Inappropriately extend the boundaries of their relationship.
6. Act as their banker.