Southern Arizona justice for veterans
Southern Arizona Justice for Veterans (SAJV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Qualifying Charitable Organization, that provides direct funding and support to the Regional Municipalities Veterans Treatment Court (RMVTC).
“Regional Municipalities Veterans Treatment Court (RMVTC) is a modest attempt to thank Veterans for their service by helping them avoid the stigma of a criminal conviction.” - RMVTC Judge Michael Pollard, United States Marine Corp Vietnam Veteran
A brief overview of RMVTC:
RMVTC Regional Municipalities Veterans Treatment Court is a nationally recognized diversion program for veterans with non-violent misdemeanor charges. The court is partnered with local behavioral health providers including:
- Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System
- La Frontera Arizona & Rally Point Arizona
- Old Pueblo Community Services (OPCS)
Once a Veteran successfully completes the treatment program, their charges are dismissed. This offers them an opportunity for a fresh start without a criminal conviction.
This program benefits Veterans, and the community by reducing incarceration and recidivism (repeat offense) rates.
Why is SAJV critical to the success of RMVTC?
RMVTC is solely grant funded through SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Grant funding has strict guidelines as to who is eligible, which is why SAJV is crucial to the court's success. Some veterans do not qualify for grant funding under SAMHSA requirements. For example, one of the grants awarded, requires that a veteran must have a substance use disorder diagnosis. This diagnosis does not apply to many veterans who find themselves in the courtroom. SAJV honors, and serves ALL veterans.
SAJV covers critical gap funding for treatment necessary for Veteran participants. We cover the cost of required treatment for those veterans who are, ineligible for Veterans Benefits, ineligible for State Medicaid, or AHCCCS, and do not meet grant criteria. We consider each case individually and measure need based on gross income and family size.
What does SAJV funding support?
Counseling & Education
Counseling & Education
Counseling & Education
We are partnered with La Frontera, Old Pueblo Community Services and the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Healthcare System (SAVAHCS). These agencies assess, recommend treatment, and provide our members the appropriate level of treatment to facilitate recovery and satisfy state requirements.
Mentorship
Counseling & Education
Counseling & Education
Veterans are assigned a Rally Point Arizona (volunteer) mentor who works closely with the Veteran to assist them through every step of the way. Rally Point also sponsors a weekly support group, with representatives from the community who provide presentations on how they can help.
Regular Court Hearings
Counseling & Education
Regular Court Hearings
Members are required to report their progress to the Judge every 4-6 weeks. The Judge will congratulate members when they are doing well, and encourage members to try harder when they are falling short.
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Regular Court Hearings
Frequent and random drug and alcohol tests are administered to ensure participants remain abstinent for the duration of their involvement in the program.
Transportation
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Legal Representation
Some participants may need assistance with transportation. If eligible, Rally Point can provide assistance to public transportation participants who are actively engaged in treatment , and mentorship services.
Legal Representation
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Legal Representation
RMVTC is partnered with the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law. An entire team of law school students work under a licensed attorney and professor, in order to gain real world experience as defense attorneys. This service is free of charge to participants.
Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters!
We couldn't do it without all of you! From the city of Tucson, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Marana, private donors, corporate sponsorships... We are grateful!
WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU
Help us make a meaningful impact in the world.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Can't afford to donate but still want to help? Are you a veteran? Contact us to become a volunteer mentor. All of our volunteers go through a screening process and background check.