Veterans Justice Court in the news!

Thirty-three graduates were honored at the San Francisco Veterans Justice Court's annual celebration, which took place on November 8, 2017 to commemorate Veterans Day. The event was highlighted in an article published by SFGate and another report published by ABC 7 News.

One of the graduates honored that day was San Francisco resident and VJC graduate Clarence Cook, Sr. Mr. Cook faced 25 years in prison, but instead enrolled in VJC and is now about to celebrate a year of sobriety.

"The only thing that saved me was this lady,” [Mr. Cook] said, referring to his case manager, Jenna Ferrara. “Got me in veterans court. Best thing that ever happened to me.”

"Judge Jeffrey S. Ross jokes with graduate Clarence Cooks with fellow veteran and graduate Andrew Cross at the celebration held at the Hall of Justice on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 in San Francisco, CA." / Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special to The Chronicle

Links: 

"Special SF court gives military veterans a 2nd chance" (SFGate)
"Criminal court program gives veterans 'a second chance'" (ABC 7 News)

Veterans Justice Court celebrates first graduation ceremony

Photo: Sarah Ravani / The Chronicle / Sarah Ravani / The San Francisco Chronicle

Last month, San Francisco's Veterans Justice Court (VJC) held its first graduation ceremony for formerly incarcerated veterans who completed the program. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Jeffrey S. Ross presided. VJC's celebration was featured in the San Francisco Chronicle.

As the article describes, VJC "works with incarcerated veterans to develop a customized treatment plan to assist them with whatever troubles they may be facing once they are released from prison — whether it’s homelessness or substance abuse."

“Incarceration is not the way to deal with most crimes. I believe in working with people so they don’t come back to incarceration," says Judge Ross.

Click here to read the full article.