Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now Jul 7, 2026
The Brief
- Two graduates were recognized today for completing the Benton County Veterans Therapeutic Court program, an intensive 12- to 24-month commitment combining treatment, accountability, and community support.
- Scott Stewart has maintained 19 months of sobriety and credits the program with giving him focus and renewed purpose after spending three months in the hospital.
- The Veterans Therapeutic Court provides individualized services including substance use counseling, mental health care, VA connections, case management, mentorship, and housing support for eligible veterans and active military members.
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Two graduates celebrated a major milestone today as they completed the Benton County Veterans Therapeutic Court, marking the culmination of an intensive 12- to 24-month commitment toward recovery and accountability.
The graduation ceremony honored Scott Stewart and Sean Storm for successfully navigating the Veterans Therapeutic Court program, which combines treatment, accountability, and community support to help veterans and active military members overcome addiction while reducing repeat offenses. Throughout their recovery journey, graduates worked closely with judges, treatment providers, mentors, and community partners.
The Benton County Veterans Therapeutic Court serves veterans and active military members facing pending misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony charges in Benton or Franklin County. To qualify, participants must be current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and have a diagnosable substance use disorder, mental illness, or PTSD that relates to or contributed to their offense. The program emphasizes treatment and judicial accountability, with the length of participation typically ranging from 12 to 24 months depending on the severity of charges and how quickly participants progress through the program’s required phases.
The program provides individualized, rehabilitation-focused services tailored to each veteran’s needs. Core treatment services include substance use and chemical dependency counseling with regular, random drug testing; mental health care addressing conditions like PTSD and traumatic brain injury with medication management; referrals to the Columbia Basin Veterans Center and VA healthcare networks; one-on-one case management and mentorship with dedicated veteran mentors; and social and housing support including transitional housing assistance, DSHS services, and employment resources.
Scott Stewart, one of the program’s graduates, shared his experience with the transformative impact the program had on his life. “I’ve got 19 months sober now, doing good… and just keep doing good. It gave me focus. It’s giving me meaning. It’s just been great,” Stewart said.
Stewart’s path to recovery was not without challenges. After spending months in the hospital, he found stability and direction through the Veterans Therapeutic Court program. He credits his mentor and his partner with supporting him at every step of his recovery journey, providing the foundation necessary to rebuild his life.
Looking ahead, Stewart has set clear goals for his continued success: maintaining his sobriety, continuing to improve his health, and moving forward with the support system that has been instrumental in reaching this significant milestone.
The Veterans Therapeutic Court represents a comprehensive approach to addressing addiction and criminal justice concerns within the veteran community. By combining treatment services with judicial oversight and community accountability, the program addresses the root causes of substance abuse while holding participants responsible for their recovery.
For graduates like Stewart and Storm, the program has provided more than just a path to sobriety—it has offered a second chance and a renewed sense of purpose.