Hope, Empowerment, Recovery: Reno’s new court program charts therapeutic path to rehabilitation
HER Court will officially launch on October 13, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Here’s what you need to know.
In Reno, the Justice Court is introducing a new therapeutic court program designed to help women. HER (Hope, Empowerment, Recovery) Court is set to launch on October 13, amid Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The program is led by Judge Ryan Katherin Sullivan, along with a program coordinator, clinicians, a probation officer, case managers, a public defender, and a prosecutor. Most of the team members will be female. Washoe County noted that the new court was created to help reduce recidivism, which is when someone is rearrested multiple times for the same offense.
Speaking about the decision, Judge Sullivan said, “Addressing the root of the problem is key. Often substance use is covering or numbing the pain of unaddressed trauma.” She added, “HER Court takes on these issues directly and aims to stop destructive patterns,” which the team is hoping will be the key to preventing individuals from becoming repeat offenders.
The Program Coordinator of Reno Justice Court Specialty Courts, Emily Ruff, echoed Judge Sullivan’s sentiments. “We want women in this program to feel seen, understood, and supported in every aspect of their lives. HER Court is not just about resolving a criminal case, but ensuring women reclaim their health, independence, and stability.” Ruff emphasized that “women face unique barriers,” and HER Court will hopefully offer Northern Nevada residents the support and skills needed to overcome those barriers.
As Washoe Life noted, the state has the highest rates of violence against women in the US, with approximately 61.8% of women experiencing physical violence, contact sexual violence, and/or stalking, typically by a partner. Around 56.8% of Nevadan women say they’ve experienced physical violence by an intimate partner, with half of those individuals saying the violence was severe.
What does the program include?
HER Court will provide participants with comprehensive services, including trauma processing through substance use treatment, financial literacy services, evidence-based therapy, gender responsive medical treatment, parenting and childcare education, nutrition education, and advocacy for those who are sex trafficking or domestic violence survivors. The program is also going to include book-based learning exercises, meditation and yoga practices, and on-site groups like Seeking Safety and DBT.
All participants will be required to appear before a judge and to work alongside the HER Court team to meet their individual goals. The program is hoping to assist 30 to 40 women within the next year. To be eligible for the therapeutic court program, an individual must be assessed as being high need and high risk through therapeutic and clinical court assessments, must meet partial or full diagnostic criteria for PTSD or CPTSD, and have a misdemeanor case. Community members, attorneys, and service providers are encouraged to refer women who are eligible for assistance through HER Court.
Additionally, those participating in the program may gain the opportunity to have convictions set aside, or criminal charges dismissed, after successfully completing the program in 12-18 months. Though it’s currently designed for women, Washoe County notes that men and other individuals could similarly benefit from gender-inclusive, trauma-informed services, and are equally welcome.
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