Mission Accomplished

On June 16, 2020, NDVS staff attended Reno Municipal Veterans Treatment Court’s second graduation ceremony. A crowd of community members celebrated nine veterans who successfully completed CAMO-RNO (Courts Assisting Military Offenders-Reno).

Launched in 2018, CAMO-RNO’s four-year grant provides wraparound services for up to 30 veterans who are considered at risk for reoffending. This Specialty Court program uses a multidisciplinary approach, engaging the city prosecutor, defense counsel, probation, mentors, and Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists from the VA to work as team, supporting veterans who may be struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health conditions. Each graduate goes through a rigorous 12 to 18-month program, which is designed to:

• Reduce criminal behaviors
• Ensure sobriety
• Provide access to VA benefits and services
• Improve family relationships and life stability (e.g., employment, housing, quality of life, etc.)

Judge Shelly T. O’Neill is the heart of CAMO-RNO, and it showed in her graduation speech as she told of the personal struggles and successes of each graduate. Moreover, through the gratitude expressed by each veteran, it was made clear that having a team of dedicated people willing to demonstrate compassion without judgment was the key to change their lives for the better.