Douglas County will host a Veterans Treatment Court graduation ceremony on December 5, 2024, at the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center. The event is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. and will be presided over by Judge Horacio Wheelock.
The ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program for graduates who have undergone comprehensive behavioral health treatment, community supervision, and accountability measures. These problem-solving courts provide an alternative path through the criminal justice system for nonviolent drug-related offenders by using a specialized team process within the existing court structure.
The primary goals of these courts are to reduce recidivism and substance use among individuals with substance use disorders while protecting public safety. They aim to increase participants' chances of successful rehabilitation through validated risk assessments, early individualized treatment, frequent chemical testing, incentives, sanctions, and other supportive services.
For those interested in more information or interviews regarding the event, Rob Owens serves as the Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator and can be contacted at (402) 444-41875. Additional details about this initiative can also be found on the Problem-Solving Court webpage.
Nebraska's judicial power is distributed among various courts including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts, and county courts. All state courts operate under the administrative direction of the Supreme Court. Nebraska also has separate juvenile courts in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy Counties as well as a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court.