Changing the Trajectory: Early Identification of In-Custody Veterans for Veterans Treatment Court
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SESSION INFO

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Session Type: Workshop
Across jurisdictions, justice-involved veterans often go unidentified, missing critical opportunities for early intervention and connection to the Maricopa County Superior Court's Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). This session highlights an innovative collaboration between Maricopa County Adult Probation Veterans Court Unit and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office designed to identify veterans while in custody and create a direct pathway to treatment court consideration before and/or after sentencing. Participants will learn how this initiative was developed, implemented, and sustained within an existing jail system, including screening strategies, stakeholder engagement, data tracking, and overcoming operational barriers. The presentation will offer framework other agencies may be able to adapt in their own jurisdictions to improve early identification, enhance access to veteran-specific resources, and ultimately change case trajectories for those who served.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Alexa Hearn
Adult Probation Officer, Veterans Court, Maricopa County Adult Probation


Alexa joined APD in October 2022 and was first assigned to a Mental Health Court caseload supervising those with a Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) determination. In March 2024, she transitioned to a Veterans Court caseload where she supervises justice-involved veterans and works to improve system responses to those who have served. In addition to professional experience, Alexa also holds a Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University. This, along with complementary work experience at the federal and state levels, has equipped her with a strong foundation in the intersection of mental health, criminal justice, and community-based supervision. Alexa is committed to supporting rehabilitation, promoting accountability, and connecting individuals to resources that help them successfully reintegrate into the community.