Tag Archives: recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt
June 10, 2021 MAT specialty court alumni gathering set to bring support to those in recovery
So many people get caught in the loop of addiction and crime. The loop is like quicksand that takes everything from those in its grip. James McCartney was caught in that grip of drinking and using for nearly 42 years, until one day in prison he realized he had to get out. That’s when he got involved with the TRUST program (Team Recovery Under Structured Treatment) a program at the prison that taught him smart recovery coping strategies. While in the program, he learned about the Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) program from assistant District Court administrator DeDe Parker. He requested to be admitted into the program. After successfully completing several months of intensive treatment through MAT, he graduated. His transformation is nothing short of miraculous. Prior to his recovery, he had not held a job for more than 15 years. He is now works at a Splash and Dash Car Wash and he gives back through the Hope for Prisoners program.
James is inspiration to those who struggle with addiction. He is inviting others who have completed the MAT program to come together for an alumni gathering on June 12, at noon, in Lorenzi Park. His goal is to build community and support. He believes those struggling with substance abuse need more than just a sponsor. That is something he learned in his own recovery. He said, “I want to put a face on recovery for the community, because we do recover. We have a stigma that a lot of people can’t relate to.” His hope is that he can change that. James shares that he’s been clean for three years. “I finally have my life back. I am fresh in my recovery, because I used for so long. Addiction is terrible, it consumes your soul and your mind.”
When asked who should come to the gathering that will have free food, a deejay and welcoming environment, he said, “Of course the graduates, and people still in the program; so they can meet the people who finished the program, so they could learn something.” He adds, “People can change if they want to. It’s not cookie-cutter. For me, it’s life or death. I’ve been legally dead before. For me, going back to prison would be a life-sentence.”
James got in the MAT program and completed his treatment at Crossroads. MAT court is comprehensive specialty court prevention plan with medically assisted treatment for opiate abuse among those who are re-entering the community after incarceration. Judge Christina Silva presides over the MAT court that is turning lives around.
“These are people that really touch my life,” said James. “I looked forward to seeing Judge Silva every two weeks.” James now wants to pay it forward. “I want to get into the field of helping people out of their addiction.”
“These are people that really touch my life,” said James. “I looked forward to seeing Judge Silva every two weeks.” James now wants to pay it forward. “I want to get into the field of helping people out of their addiction.” He does peer support through the Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health and Addiction (LIMA) program and helps people in CCDC. The LIMA Program is a nine to 12 month pre-booking diversion program developed to address low-level drug crimes.
“It is great to see James work to help those following in the difficult footsteps of recovery. It’s a tough road and every bit of support is important, especially in light of the pandemic,” said Judge Silva. “I am very proud of James and I hope current MAT Court participants are inspired by James and the other graduates who are shining examples of commitment to recovery and success.”
“I am so passionate about helping others out of their addictions if they want to,” said James. “I ask them what they want,” while noting that people don’t want to be told what to do. “I love it. It fills my heart with joy. I get my happiness through other people’s happiness. Especially if I helped to make it happen. I get my joy from giving back.”
He jokes about how long it took him to get into recovery. “People asked, where’s your rock bottom? I told them, I’m digging a hole to China.”
Those who want to learn about the MAT Alumni Gathering can visit the Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/17GDleFlM
An estimated 65 percent of individuals in U.S. prisons and jails have a substance abuse disorder. Opioids rank high as their drug of choice. Medically assisted treatment paired with counseling treatment, has proven to be an effective way to address addiction, put a dent in the opioid epidemic and stem the related criminal activity. Effective treatment provides better results at a lower cost than repeated incarceration.
Tags: Clark County Courts, DeDe Parker, Eighth Judicial District Court, James McCartney, Judge Christina Silva, Judge Linda Bell, Judge Silva, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Las Vegas recovery, Las Vegas Speciality Courts, MAT, Medically Assisted Treatment, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, recovery, recovery; LasVegas; drug court; specialty court, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts
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December 30, 2020 Eighth Judicial District recovery specialty court up for award for work turning lives around
The Nevada Eighth Judicial District Recovery Court Treatment Team was nominated for the There Is No Heroin in Heroin (TINHIH) Foundation Crushing Stigma & Silos Award. The award is given annually to those who have helped the organization flourish and achieve their goals. Specialty courts administrator DeDe Parker was also nominated for the Hero of the Year Award.
The winners will be announced at an award ceremony will be live streamed on February 1 at 8 p.m. at the following link: https://mondaysdark.com/livestream/
There Is No Heroin in Heroin Foundation is committed to bettering the Las Vegas community through overdose prevention and education events. Founded on the basis that no family should have to fight through addiction’s turmoil alone, TINHIH develops events and programming that support the needs of those struggling with addiction, those in recovery, and those lost to substance use disorder.
The Crushing Stigma and Silos Award will be given to the partnership between organizations that have connected to establish programming and/or support for those in our community affected by substance use disorder.
This is an excerpt from the District Court nomination: “Recovery Court began in late 2019 in response to the need for a new approach to drug courts in Las Vegas. Individuals are given the opportunity to come into the program as a 184 inmate or parolee. Housing and treatment are covered through grant funding, giving the participant the ability to focus on their recovery. Relapses are not an immediate sanction back to prison but rather an opportunity for the treatment team to create a new action plan for increased support.”
The recovery court is one of the Eighth Judicial District specialty courts that solve issues through a rigorous and coordinated approach between judges, specialty court coordinators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Parole and Probation, law enforcement and mental health/social service/treatment professionals. All work together to help participants recover, live crime-free and become productive citizens.
Tags: Clark County Specialty Courts, Las Vegas Speciality Courts, Nevada Specialty Courts, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts
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- Posted under Clark County Specialty Courts, Specialty Courts
February 21, 2020 Turnaround stories from those who beat addiction celebrated with heartwarming celebration
Far too many families with loved ones facing addiction end up with heartbreak. The stories shared at the recent Eighth Judicial District Specialty court graduation were heartwarming. Families and friends came to cheer on loved ones who many previously feared were forever lost to their addiction. Success stories for those who have overcome addiction, translate to families that can rest easier knowing that they don’t have to worry about their family member being on the street, getting arrested or worse. It means that that their loved one will rejoin their family, be responsible and have a chance at a positive life. It’s a burden lifted from families that ripples through our community.
Three veterans were among this class of graduates. They received specially made quilts from Jarenie Trachier with Valor Quilters of Nevada. The quilts are presented in gratitude of the veterans’ service and to provide them comfort during challenging times.
Congresswoman Susie Lee, who represents Nevada’s third district, addressed the latest class of grads to complete their intensive treatment programs to start a new life. “This program not only gets you back on your feet, but it also prevents recidivism and coming back through the revolving door,” said Congresswoman Lee. She was referring to the revolving door of addiction and incarceration. Congresswoman Lee encouraged, “When you’re going through hell, just keep on going. There’s going to be times that are trying over the next few years.” She congratulated the grads, thanked the courts, the treatment coordinators and the families and friends who supported the grads on their journey. She said, “It’s the programs like this on the ground that are really improving people’s lives.”
Tags: Congresswoman Susie Lee, Jarenie Trachier, Judge Carolyn Ellsworth, Judge Cristina Silva, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Nevada justice reform, Quilters of Nevada, Quilts of Valor, Quilts of Valor Las Vegas, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts, Valor Quilters of Nevada, Veterans' Court
September 3, 2019 Nevada Attorney General speaks from heart to inspire specialty court grads
Nevada Attorney General speaks from heart link: https://youtu.be/ZviGPVaa1mY
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford spoke from the heart and got “vulnerable” with 36 specialty court grads about going from tough times and tough neighborhoods to being the top law enforcement officer for the state. He spoke about challenges he faced and overcame to achieve success. The attorney general said, “We all make mistakes,” later adding, “Some of us make bad decisions.” After sharing his own challenges he said, “You have been given an opportunity through these programs to reintegrate into our society; and as you do that you can accomplish goals.”
The graduates included those from veterans’, mental health, felony DUI, adult drug court, the transitional age program, the OPEN program, and drug court were individually recognized by their presiding judge with a certificate of completion, a special graduation coin and cake. Each of the grads have successfully completed an intensive treatment program aimed at addressing the root-causes of addiction.
Four veterans were included in the graduates. The graduates each received a Quilt of Valor from the Las Vegas chapter of the organization. The Quilt of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003, by Blue Star mom Catherine Roberts from her sewing room. The local chapter of Quilt of Valor meets the second Friday of the month at 8670 W. Cheyenne Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room 105 to make the quilts. Volunteers are always welcome; no quilting experience is necessary. For more information call 702-357-0377.
Specialty courts solve issues through a rigorous and coordinated approach between judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Parole and Probation, law enforcement and mental health/social service/treatment professionals. All work together to help participants recover, live crime-free and become productive citizens.
Tags: Aaron Ford, Attorney General AaronFord, Clark County Specialty Courts, Judge Carolyn Ellsworth, Las Vegas Speciality Courts, Las Vegas specialty courts, Nevada attorney general, Nevada Specialty Courts, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts
June 5, 2019 District Court gambling treatment diversion court seen as ground breaking by international audience
A gambling diversion treatment court mock trial with Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Cheryl Moss filled a conference room at the 17th International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking on May 30 at Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The mock trial presented a step-by-step look at a gambling diversion eligibility hearing.
More than 500 professionals from at least 34 countries from across the globe came to the gaming mecca of the world to learn what’s new. Topics at the four-day conference included innovation in policy, regulation, consumer protection, and problem gambling. Judge Moss presided over the mock trial with participation from moderator Carol O’Hare with Nevada Council on Problem Gambling; Dayvid Figler and Caitlyn McAmis with Figler Law Group; Sydney Smith with RISE Center for Recovery; and Stephanie Hui, Eighth Judicial specialty court coordinator and a volunteer from the audience. The question and answer session ran over as doctors, gaming executives, researchers and other professionals peppered Judge Moss and the mock trial team with questions.
The District Court gambling diversion treatment court is the second in the nation. As gambling is springing up in states across the nation, the gambling treatment court is breaking ground in a much needed field. Professionals from courts in several states have been researching the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court model for adoption in their courts. “The International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about our gambling diversion treatment court to the world,” said Judge Moss, who presides over the specialty court.
Judge Moss has been invited to multiple future conferences to present on the gambling treatment diversion court including speaking engagements for the State Bar of Nevada Gaming Law Section, the National Center for Responsible Gaming, and the State of Rhode Island Judiciary and treatment professionals.
The Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court specialty courts are an effective way to prevent participants from revolving through the justice system. Specialty courts, solve issues through a rigorous and coordinated approach between judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Parole and Probation, law enforcement and mental health/social service/treatment professionals. All work together to help participants recover, live crime-free and become productive citizens.
Tags: 17th International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking, Clark County FamilyCourt, Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Cheryl Moss, Gambling court, gambling diversion treatment court, Judge Cheryl Moss, Las Vegas gambling court, Las Vegas specialty courts, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Nevada Specialty Courts, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts
May 4, 2019 District Court Uses Nevada Division Of Public And Behavioral Health Grant To Break The Grip Of Opioids On Those Re-entering The Community After Prison
The Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court will celebrate a new class of specialty court graduates on May 10 at 3 p.m. in the jury services room of the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave. The graduates will include two who are part of a specialty court prison re-entry program.
The District Court was recently awarded a grant of nearly $350,000 from the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) Bureau of Behavioral Health Wellness and Prevention Opioid State Targeted Response (STR). The grant is being used for a comprehensive specialty court prevention plan with medically assisted treatment (MAT) for opiate abuse among those who are re-entering the community after incarceration.
An estimated 65 percent of individuals in U.S. prisons and jails have a substance abuse disorder. Opioids rank high as their drug of choice. Medically assisted treatment paired with counseling treatment, has proven to be an effective way to address addiction, put a dent in the opioid epidemic and stem the related criminal activity. Effective treatment provides better results at a lower cost than repeated incarceration.
Specialty court coordinators, the parole re-entry unit, and prison/jail professionals work together to identify program participants who go through an intensive six-month program that begins with a three-month stabilization period. Participants are placed in coordinated care housing and receive inpatient and/or intensive outpatient services, case management, medically assisted treatment, discharge planning and assistance with coordination of long-term housing, permanent housing, and assistance with obtaining food stamps, medical care, Medicaid and other programs such as Social Security. They are also provided case management around employment assistance including referrals, and training. The goal is to increase employment among the participants to improve the likelihood of success, cut substance abuse and decrease recidivism.
“This Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health funding enables the court, with the help of the Nevada Department of Corrections, to effectively tackle the epidemic of opioid abuse that is thwarting potential rehabilitation for those who are released from incarceration with a substance abuse issue,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell, who presides over the MAT specialty court. “We cannot incarcerate our way out of the opioid crisis. Creative solutions such as this must be used to stem the tide of this epidemic.”
“The infusion of federal funding to Nevada continues to allow us to improve access to treatment and recovery support services for people with significant barriers to care. We know that individuals within the criminal justice system have a greater risk of overdose death than other people. Through this collaboration with the Eighth Judicial District, we hope we can reduce that risk and support people to move to full recovery from opioid addiction. Medication Assisted Treatment is the gold standard for care and access within court systems is critical in addressing the opioid crisis,” said Dr. Stephanie Woodard, DHHS Senior Advisor on Behavioral Health, from the Division of Public and Behavioral Health.
Specialty courts, solve issues through a rigorous and coordinated approach between judges, specialty court coordinators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Parole and Probation, law enforcement and mental health/social service/treatment professionals. All work together to help participants recover, live crime-free and become productive citizens. Thirteen participants are in the MAT program that is expected to eventually have 30 participants. Court sessions began in December 2018 and are held every other Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Tags: Clark County Specialty Courts, Dr. Stephanie Woodard, Judge Linda Bell, Judge Linda Marie Bell, Las Vegas specialty courts, MAT, Medically Assisted Treatment, Nevada Specialty Courts, opioid crisis, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts
November 28, 2018 Drug court saved my life
At every specialty court graduation, at least one person tells those gathered that the program saved their life. At the November graduation, a drug court graduate said just that. They weren’t exaggerating. Those that end up in specialty courts get there after heading down a very dangerous path. Most participants have had multiple felony arrests, lost their family, friends, jobs and stability. The death toll from the opioid crisis is well publicized and touches families from every walk of life.
Those arrested generally end up revolving through overcrowded prisons. Specialty courts offer an alternative. Specialty courts work to address substance abuse and the related criminal issues through a rigorous and coordinated approach between judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Parole and Probation, law enforcement and mental health/social service/treatment professionals. All work together to help participants recover, live crime-free and become productive citizens.
The Nevada Eighth Judicial District specialty courts include veterans’ court, mental health court, the OPEN program, drug court, felony DUI court, family treatment drug court, autism court and a new gambling treatment court. Every graduation their success can be seen in the eyes of the family and friends who come to support their loved one back from the abyss.
A graduate from veterans’ court told the graduates, “The greatest gift you can give your family is your recovery.”
Six veterans were included in the graduates. A color guard opened the ceremony and the graduates each received a Quilt of Valor from the Las Vegas chapter of the organization. The Quilt of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003, by Blue Star mom Catherine Roberts from her sewing room. Blue Star moms are those who have a son or daughter in active service. Her son Nathanael’s deployment to Iraq served as the initial inspiration for the foundation. That has since spread across the nation and presented thousands of quilts nationwide to those who have served our country.
The local chapter of Quilt of Valor meets the second Friday of the month at 8670 W. Cheyenne Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room 105. Volunteers are always welcome; no quilting experience is necessary. For more information call 702-357-0377.
Specialty court graduates get good advice from judge
Specialty court grads experience rebirth
Drug court saved my life
Tags: John Piro, Judge Carolyn Ellsworth, Judge Linda Bell, Las Vegas Speciality Courts, Melisa De La Garza, Nevada Specialty Courts, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts
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- Posted under Clark County Specialty Courts, Specialty Courts, Uncategorized
June 23, 2018 Wave of specialty court grads have big impact on more than 89 families
When you walk into a specialty court graduation ceremony you know you’re entering something really special. There is excitement and optimism in the air. Families and friends are present with balloons, flowers and cake to support their loved ones. The monthly District Court graduations in the jury services room mark a point of change. Hearing Master Melissa De La Garza reminds participants to savor the moment and remember how they feel as they graduate. The grads will need that thought and that feeling to carry them through the tough times and help them to maintain their commitment to be substance-abuse free.
Hearing Master Melissa De La Garza https://youtu.be/IjM_Mdawo44
Deputy Public Defender Christy Craig https://youtu.be/jf94O1_qMt8
Each month, nearly 30 participants graduate from intensive specialty court treatment programs. Eighty-nine participants graduated from the District specialty courts programs in the past three months. Multiply that times all the people in their families and you can get a sense of the kind of impact that the programs are having on the community. That’s 89 families who have a loved one who is contributing instead of disrupting their lives. The community as whole will also benefit from this wave of people committed to a better life. At an estimated jail cost of $135 per-day per-inmate, 89 successful graduates saves $12,015 a night and more than $4.3 million a year in incarceration costs alone. The social benefits are immeasurable. The graduating class includes participants from veterans court, mental health court, the OPEN program, drug court and felony DUI court.
Kicking addiction and giving up the life that goes with it isn’t easy. “I know you worked really hard to get to this point it is just the beginning though and there is a lot of work to do in the future. It is a great time to celebrate the accomplishments you have achieved so far,” said Judge Linda Bell, who presides over specialty courts. “We really look forward seeing all the things that you do as you move on from specialty courts.”
Judge Linda Marie Bell at specialty court graduation https://youtu.be/LI45EnZ-mR4
Specialty courts take a rigorous and coordinated approach between judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Parole and Probation, law enforcement and mental health/social service/treatment professionals to make the transition possible. All work together to help participants recover, live crime-free and become productive citizens and it’s worth it. Treating addiction and related disorders has proven to be a much more effective way to address crime surround substance abuse rather than let low-level offenders revolve through the prison system.
“It’s not the end of the road for your sobriety. It’s a lifetime of sobriety,” said Jude Carolyn Ellsworth, who presides over drug court. “Now you have the tools and you know how to handle things when time get rough.”
Judge Carolyn Ellsworth https://youtu.be/oKy9-BQGxFU
Jarenie Trachier Quilts of Valor non-profit organization
Deputy Public Defender Christy Craig https://youtu.be/jf94O1_qMt8
Judge Linda Marie Bell at specialty court graduation
Judge Carolyn Ellsworth
Hearing Master Melissa De La Garza
Deputy Public Defender Christy Craig
Jarenie Trachier Quilts of Valor non-profit organization
Tags: Hearing Master Melissa De La Garza, Judge Adriana Escobar, Judge Carolyn Ellsworth, Judge Linda Bell, Las Vegas Speciality Courts, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts
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November 23, 2017 Chili cook-off at RJC raises funds to make Quilts of Valor for veterans
A chili cook-off at the Regional Justice Center raised more than $700. for Quilts of Valor. A check was presented to the Nevada state coordinator for the Quilt of Valor Foundation, Victoria Colburn Hall at a recent Veteran’ Court graduation ceremony. Judge Linda Bell presides over the Veteran’ Court program.
Veterans’ courts are hybrid drug and mental health courts that use the drug court model to serve veterans struggling with addiction, serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders. They promote sobriety, recovery and stability through a coordinated response that involves cooperation and collaboration with the traditional partners found in drug and mental health courts and agencies.
Quilts of Valor presents Veterans Court graduates a Quilt of Valor a quilt to comfort them as they build their new lives. Victoria is a Blue Star mom; her son spent 24 year in the Marine Corp assault unit. She awarded two vets at the chili cook-off Quilts of Valor for their service and gave a brief overview of the foundation.
The cook-off was planned to mark Veterans’ Day. The Quilt of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003, by Blue Star mom Catherine Roberts from her sewing room. Blue Star moms are those who have a son or daughter in active service. Her son Nathanael’s deployment to Iraq served as the initial inspiration for the foundation. That has since presented thousands of quilts nationwide to those who have served our country.
The local chapter of Quilt of Valor meets the second Friday of the month at 8670 W. Cheyenne Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room 105. Volunteers are always welcome; no quilting experience is necessary. For more information call 702-357-0377.
Tags: Eighth Judicial District Court, Judge Linda Bell, Quilts of Valor, Quilts of Valor Las Vegas, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts, Veterans' Court, Victoria Colburn Hall
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- Posted under Uncategorized, Veterans' Court
June 19, 2017 Amazing transformations happen in drug court
Those who are sentenced to drug court are those who have been through a revolving door of drug abuse and resulting criminal activity. Many were formerly successful professionals who made a wrong turn somewhere. That is the case with one of the drug court’s current participants; but, what a difference a specialty court can make. A once very successful businessman who had it all, lost everything to his addiction to methamphetamine. He lost his income, his family, and his freedom. He became a familiar face in the criminal justice system. He was eventually sentenced by a District Court judge to drug court and that’s when things began to change. Enter Judge Carolyn Ellsworth, who presides over the drug court. She holds drug court participants accountable, yet manages to offer encouragement at the same time.
Those who are in the endless cycle of addiction and crime emerge to get on a path to recovery through rigorous treatment. The treatment is administered by the specialty court mental health/social service treatment professionals, and overseen by Judge Ellsworth in coordination with prosecutors, defense attorneys, and Parole and Probation.
In the case of the once prominent businessman, that is just what happened. He began to rebuild his life. He became drug-free, got a job and worked to stabilize his life. He became involved in a healthy relationship. Then in early June, Judge Ellsworth married him to his new love. She baked one of her very special homemade cakes that she is known to bake for every drug court graduate. Family and friends came to support the man they love; the one they thought they had lost to addiction.
Not every story goes so well; and the new groom faces an ongoing struggle with recovery. But his outlook is bright, and the drug court team is there to help get him across the finish line. The rest is up to him.
Tags: Clark County Drug Court, Drug Court, Judge Carolyn Ellsworth, recovery; LasVegas; drugcourt; specialtycourt, Specialty Courts
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- Posted under Drug Court, Uncategorized
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