Tag Archives: Specialty Courts
January 19, 2022 Graduation planned for 17 who detoured justice system through LIMA Diversion Program to get their lives on track
The Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada LIMA Program (Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health and Addiction) will host a graduation ceremony for participants of the program who have turned their lives around. The celebration for 17 new grads, will be at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., on Friday, January 21 at 1 p.m. Several keynote speakers will convey positive messages including: LVMPD Captain Roxanne Burke; Leo Magrdichian, WestCare Nevada’s vice president of operations; Stephanie Lilly, LIMA alumni (LIMA’s very first client referral) and Darren Waller of the Las Vegas Raiders. The event host will be Bianca McCall, the founder and chief executive director of Desert Rose Counseling Group LLC.
LIMA is a nine to 12 month pre-booking diversion program, developed to address low-level drug crimes. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers redirect those with low-level drug related charges into the LIMA Program to engage in community-based services. The goal is to get eligible individuals services that will help them and ultimately improve public safety and reduce criminal activity. Having law enforcement divert individuals away from the justice system into community-based services for treatment and life-skills training is intended to improve the likelihood that participants will achieve success. Those referred must have a chemical dependency issue and be willing to engage in treatment services throughout their participation in the LIMA Program.
“The LIMA diversion program gives those with substance abuse issues the tools of recovery to keep them from entering the justice system and to move in a positive direction with their lives,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “Diversion has proven to be a cost effective way to address substance abuse, particularly during this pandemic when the jails and prisons face issues of overcrowding.”
Participants will be referred to services based on their needs including:
· Individual and group substance abuse counseling provided
· Mental health and co-occurring counseling provided
· Collaborative case management
· Detoxification services
· Intensive outpatient and or inpatient treatment
· Weekly/biweekly meetings with case manager
· Referrals to sober living, low-income housing, and/or temporary/transitional housing and housing services
· Assistance with secure vital documents and establishment of positive support system
LIMA, a collaboration between Eighth Judicial District Court and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, is a great example of how using alternative, efficient methods to ensure
justice and reduce the potential for crime. District Court judges and staff continuously work to develop new ideas, maximize efficiencies and improve access to justice. For more information about the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, please visit our website at clarkcountycourts.us, Facebook facebook.com/NV8thJDCourt, Twitter at https://twitter.com/Nv8thC or blog at https://eighthjdcourt.wordpress.com.
Tags: Clark County Courts, diversion courts, diversion programs, Eighth Judicial District Court, Judge Linda Bell, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Las Vegas diversion program, Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health and Addiction, LIMA, LIMA diversion program, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Specialty Courts
October 27, 2021 New Grads From Only Gambling Treatment Diversion Court In The Nation Offer Hope For Problem Gamblers Facing Justice System
The Gambling Treatment Diversion Court (GTDC) marked its first-ever graduation ceremony Tuesday. The Eighth Judicial District GDTC is a court-supervised, comprehensive treatment program for those in the criminal justice system as a result of a problem gambling disorder. The program is currently the only one of its kind in the country. The Nevada Counsel on Problem Gambling estimates that problem gambling is a community health issue that may affect up to six percent of Nevada adults.
Treatment for the 12 to 36 month GTDC program includes individual and group counseling focused on problem gambling, State-funded Certified Problem Gambling Counselors provide the treatment. Participants may also be required to complete substance abuse and mental health counseling, wellness education, peer support and drug and alcohol testing when needed. Additional services include residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, anger management and impulse control groups, gender-specific and trauma treatment, grief and loss treatment, treatment targeting criminal behavior and family therapy.
“I commend our first graduates of the Gambling Treatment Diversion Court. Their success, despite all the turmoil caused by the pandemic, is great cause for hope for the many individuals in our community who struggle with problem gambling,” said Judge Linda Marie Bell, who presides over the GTDC. “I also applaud the hard work of Judge Cheryl Moss, specialty court staff, and our community partners to get the program up and running.”
The GTDC commenced in November 2018. Per Nevada Revised Statues 458A, defendants are eligible for GTDC if they have been convicted of a crime and committed that crime in furtherance, or as a result, of problem gambling. A qualified mental health professional must examine and determine the defendant is a problem gambler. Those who commit a violent crime, a crime against a child, or a sexual offense are not eligible for the program. Participants must agree to pay restitution as a condition of treatment.
Program participants are required to pay an administrative fee of $1,500 after they have paid their entire restitution. Treatment costs are covered by insurance or state grant funds. The GTDC program currently has 11 participants and is in session every other Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
The GTDC program 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: Cheryl Moss, Clark County Courts, Eighth Judicial District Court, Gambling court, gambling treatment diversion court, GTDC, Judge Cheryl Moss, Judge Linda Bell, Judge Linda Marie Bell, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Linda Marie Bell, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Specialty Courts, Stefanie Hui
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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March 31, 2021 Governor Steve Sisolak appoints District Court assistant court administrator DeNeese Parker to Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council
Governor Steve Sisolak appointed DeNeese Parker to the Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council. Her term will run until February 2025.
DeNeese was recently promotion to serve as assistant court administrator over the Juvenile Division in Family Court. This is a new position that reflects the priority of the Eighth Judicial District Court to improve the lives and well-being of youth and families in Clark County. “Focusing on Juvenile Court matters has been a priority for court administration. DeNeese has proven herself time and time again through her hard work, commitment to best practices, development of community and state-wide relationships, and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of mental health care for court participants,” said District court Chief Executive Officer Steven Grierson. “I look forward to watching our Juvenile Court continue its tremendous successes and reach new heights. I know that DeNeese will be a great representative of our District Court and wonderful addition to this effort.”
DeNeese is a certified alcohol and drug counselor in the State of Nevada. In the past, she has supervised other counselors and overseen multiple grant-funded programs, contracts and budgets. She directs and administers the programs related to governmental and legislative activity related to the Eighth Judicial District Court specialty courts. DeNeese represents the Eighth Judicial District Court with city, state and county government agencies as well as community resource providers.
DeNeese will continue with her primary responsibility as the specialty courts program administrator. She manages all specialty courts for the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, including adult drug court, co-occurring drug court, transitional age program, OPEN, veteran’s treatment court, felony DUI court, mental health court, gambling diversion treatment Court, Juvenile Drug Court, Family Treatment Drug Court, Re-Entry Court and Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental health and Addiction (LIMA).
Throughout DeNeese’s professional career, she has been a counselor, program manager, and coordinator over multiple specialty courts. DeNeese Parker was previously the Truancy Diversion Program coordinator, which involved the coordination of more than 85 schools in Clark County, while being the coordinator over juvenile drug court and diversion court.
DeNeese has a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with an emphasis in law from the University of California, Davis, a master’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. DeNeese graduated from the Clark County leadership academy in 2019 and recently received a nomination from a local non-profit for a community award.
According to their website, “The Nevada Commission on Behavioral Health & Development is a 10‐member legislatively created body designed to provide policy guidance and oversight of Nevada’s public system of integrated care and treatment of adults and children with mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities/related conditions. The commission meets at least six times a year (twice a year face-to-face, otherwise using video and tele-conference).”
Tags: Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council, DeDe Parker, Eighth Judicial District Court, Governor Steve Sisolak, Nevada Commission on Behavioral Health & Development, Specialty Courts, specialty courts and more, Steven Grierson
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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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
January 29, 2020 Felony DUI Court Uses Nevada Department of Public Safety Grant to prevent future DUI’s from those with a history
Graduation from the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court felony DUI (FDUI) program comes with a certificate, a supportive hug, a lifeline to resources and a whole new lease on life. After three to five years of rigorous treatment, participants get the tools they need to control their life, beat their addiction, act responsibly and leave DUI’s in the dust. The felony DUI program is using one-year grant of $30,000 awarded in late 2019 by the Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety to increase program retention rates, up success rates and improve public safety. In 2019, 112 graduates successfully completed the program. So far in 2020, five have graduated with seven participants scheduled to graduate on Feb. 14 at a 3 p.m. ceremony in the jury services room.
As part of the 2019 grant application process, the Office of Traffic Safety looked at the success of the Felony DUI program. Of those admitted to the FDUI program from Jan. 2015 to Jan. 2018, 72 percent completed the three to five year program. The Felony DUI program involves intensive treatment, counselling, random urine analysis and weekly support meetings. Participants in the program have three DUI’s (with no resulting injured parties) within seven years. They are on probation during the entire program and serve a minimum six months under house-arrest. All participants are required to have a breath interlock device on any vehicle they own, operate or have access to during the entire time they are in the program.
“This Nevada Department of Public Safety grant will enable District Court to add needed resources to successfully manage the significant Felony DUI Court caseload,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “Intensive treatment over time provides those with a history of DUI’s the tools to address their addiction issues. Ultimately, this makes our community safer.”
FDUI program currently has 326 participants in the program. The court coordinator is responsible for intensive clinical case management. They communicate with all collaborative partners, gather information on how participants are doing in therapy. They also problem solve issues, facilitate successes for clients and make clinical recommendations to the judge on treatment.
“I see firsthand how this program helps participants take responsibility for their actions and change,” said Hearing Master Shannon Wittenberger, who presides over the Felony DUI Court. “This funding gives us the ability to add much needed resources to improve success rates and be more effective at treating those in the program.”
The Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court specialty courts are an effective way to address root-causes that lead to addiction and recidivism. Intensive treatment has proven to be a cost effective way to keep participants in specialty courts from revolving through the justice system. The Nevada Eighth Judicial District specialty courts include veterans court, mental health court, the OPEN program, drug court, felony DUI court, gambling treatment diversion court, family treatment drug court, juvenile drug court and a youth autism court.
Tags: DUI, DUI court, FDUI court, Felony DUI, Felony DUI treatment, Hearing Master Shannon Wittenberger, Judge Linda Marie Bell, Nevada Court, Nevada Department of Public Safety, Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court felony DUI court, NV court, NV EJDC, NV EJDC Chief Judge, NV FDUI court, Shannon Wittenberger, Specialty Courts
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
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