What Are Veterans Court Life Skills?

“Any skill, tool, information, or resource that improves the quality of life for Veterans in the program.”

Life Skills Program Requirement

All Veterans in the Shelby County Veterans Court Program are required to complete 16 hours of Life Skills training.

Life Skills training will begin after Veterans have completed all VA requirements or initial treatment from treatment providers.
Veterans can chose from a list of workshops, seminars, assignments, and community service opportunities.

Goals: Promote public safety, increase participation and engagement in treatment programs, improve the quality of life for program participants and their families, reduce the chance of re-arrest.

The Educational Commitment

Assistance in accomplishing education goals
Job Training/Vocational training

The Career Commitment

Assistance in Job search process
Resume writing, interview skills, etc.

The Personal Development Commitment

Nutrition
Stress Management
Interpersonal Communication
Mindfulness training
Financial Planning
Connection to Ancillary support services (Housing, mental health support, etc.)

The Service Commitment

Mentoring
Community service

Delivering Programming Through:

Community Partnerships
- Public agencies, Community Organizations, Veterans Administration
Program Orientation
Workshops
Case Management

Veterans must finish all Life Skill requirements to graduate from program.

About the author

Cantrece Hayslett
Mental Health Services Coordinator
Shelby County Veterans Court