The Veterans Intervention Strategy (VIS) is a voluntary, Deschutes County program, designed to provide local justice-involved veterans with the opportunity to improve their criminal justice outcomes. The program assists veterans with addressing mental health illnesses and/or substance use disorders that played a role in their criminal activity.

The interagency program involves the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the Central Oregon Vet Center, Deschutes County Circuit Court, public defender offices – Deschutes Defenders and Atlas Law Group, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and Deschutes County Community Justice; along with other community stakeholders that offer an array of veteran-specific services and resources.

VIS Program Goals

Improve community safety by reducing recidivism among justice-involved veterans.

Improve veterans’ lives through engagement in a targeted series of veteran programs.

Reduce risk and increase victims’ likelihood of receiving restitution by improving a veteran’s stability.

Collaboratively work with agencies throughout Deschutes County to provide specialized services to veterans.

VIS Participant Expectations

Participation in the VIS program is based on charged felony or misdemeanor crimes, veteran status, diagnosis of a mental illness or substance use disorder, and program availability. Participants are expected to:

Attend required VIS meetings and court hearings.

Develop an individualized treatment plan.

Participate in all recommended mental health care, substance use treatment, medical care, group or individual therapy, case management and other VIS related services and programs.

Agree to alcohol and drug testing.

Not incur additional charges.

Engage regularly with your program mentor.

Pay restitution, if applicable.

Comply with probation requirements, if applicable.

Program Length

Participation in the VIS program is designed to be at least 12 to 14 months, depending on the participant's track, but participation can last until the veteran has completed all the program requirements. If a veteran; however, continually fails to not meet program milestones and/or is otherwise non-compliant, program participation can be terminated.

VIS Eligibility

Veterans are eligible to have their case considered for VIS if they

1. Committed a crime in Deschutes County,

2. Are a resident of Deschutes, Crook or Jefferson counties,

3. 18+ years old, and

4. Meet all other program criteria.

General Questions

What is Veterans Intervention Strategy (VIS)?

The Deschutes County VIS program is a voluntary diversion program for veterans who suffer from mental health illnesses and/or substance use disorders, and have been charged with a crime. The goal of VIS is to improve the lives of individuals that have served in the military by helping them gain access to veteran-specific programming and treatment in order to address personal challenges and to develop new skills. Through these efforts, the program aims to reduce recidivism among engaged veterans and improve community safety.

How can I participate?

Ask your defense attorney to refer you to the Veterans Intervention Strategy program. You may also contact the VIS coordinator to inquire about participation at 541-317-3175 or at VIS@dcda.us.

Who is eligible to participate?

Anyone that has served in the military who has been charged with a new crime and informs their defense attorney of their veteran status, can have their case reviewed for eligibility by the DA's Office.

Individuals that are deemed potentially eligible for VIS must participate in a screening with the Central Oregon Vet Center. Veterans that are ultimately eligible for the VIS will have: 1) their veteran status confirmed, 2) a mental health illness or a substance use disorder diagnosis, 3) the disorder or illness will be related to their service and played a part in their criminal activity, and 4) plead guilty to their charges

Will this change the outcome of my case?

In most cases, participation in VIS will have an impact on the veteran’s sentencing. The sentencing agreements are different for each participant and are agreed upon prior to enrolling in the program, but can range from decreased community service hours, reduced jail time, downward departures, or the charges being dismissed.

What happens if I violate VIS rules?

VIS participants that violate program rules will be issued sanctions. These sanctions will be used in proportion to the severity of the non-compliance violation. Non-compliance activities that can result in sanctions include: missed treatment appointments or VIS meetings/court sessions, dishonesty, positive urinalysis, and a poor attitude in treatment or at VIS meetings. Sanctions may include but are not limited to: attendance at additional VIS meetings/court sessions, written apologies, community service, and jail time. If the veteran commits a new crime or has repeated willful violations, the veteran may be terminated from the program.

What happens if I am terminated from VIS?

If the veteran violates the terms of the VIS, or commits a new crime, the veteran may be terminated from the program. As a consequence, the veteran would lose the benefit the veteran bargained for when s/he entered the program.

What happens if I opt-out of VIS after I have been accepted?

If a veteran who has officially been enrolled in the VIS decides to no longer participate, the veteran’s case will be treated as if the veteran was terminated from the program.

What does clean and sober mean?

VIS veterans that are required to abstain from alcohol and all drugs, must submit to urinalysis testing. The use of illegal substances or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications is prohibited. Decisions about whether or not a participant would be required to abstain from alcohol and/or cannabis use is made after a thorough evaluation and is decided on a case-by-case basis.

When are the VIS Inter-agency meetings held?

VIS meetings and court sessions are held the second and fourth Monday of each month at 1:30 PM. Exceptions are made when these dates coincide with legal holidays or when staff is unavailable.

Where are the VIS meetings located?

The VIS meetings/court sessions are held at either the Vet Center or the Deschutes County Circuit Court. Participating veterans are notified in advance which location they will be going to each month.

What is the address of the Central Oregon Vet Center?

The Vet Center is located at 1645 NE Forbes Rd. Suite 105, Bend, OR 97701.

How often do I have to attend the VIS Inter-agency meetings?

Upon acceptance in to the VIS, a veteran attends a VIS meeting/court session approximately once a month. If a veteran experiences set-backs, required attendance at the meetings may be increased.