Second Judicial District Court's Veterans Treatment Court Enhancement Project

The Second Judicial District Court (SJDC) of Washoe County, Nevada requests $950,000 to strengthen its existing Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) through enhanced treatment access and supportive services. The SJDC is located in Washoe County, the second largest County in Nevada, the estimated 2023 population is 506,016.  Created in 2009, the VTC of the Second Judicial District Court aims to help veterans presently serving or who have served in the Armed Forces, a reserve component thereof or the National Guard. The VTC targets non-violent, justice-involved veterans suffering from mental illness, alcohol or substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder or military sexual trauma. The VTC follows a traditional Team approach, consistent with NADCP's 10 Key Components. Through the BJA FY23 Veteran Treatment Court Discretionary program, Category 2: Enhancement, SJDC seeks to enhance its VTC by incorporating evidence-based principles, specifically addressing Key Component #1, 3, 4, and 5: (1) Employ a VTC Specialty Court Coordinator to perform direct casework related to supervision, rehabilitation, case management of VTC participants; (2) Enhance the newly established VTC Peer Mentor Program; (3) Enhance random drug testing; and (4) Identify eligible participants early and promptly through evaluation and assessment; (5) Increase availability of treatment, including medication assisted treatment, and housing services for clients. Outcomes are improved, social functioning and linkage to employment, housing, treatment, medication, and support services. During the 4-year project period, VTC proposes to serve approximately 65 new participants. The project will also enhance public awareness and outreach efforts, including public naloxone training and dissemination for the high-risk recently incarcerated population.