Incarcerated veterans at CTF observe Memorial Day (Photo: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)
The Veterans Justice Outreach Program, which includes VA social workers, reaches out to Veterans within the criminal justice system to assess if their legal troubles stem from injuries sustained during their military service. The program’s primary goal is to facilitate healing and reduce recidivism rates among Veterans.
Research by Dr. Andrea Finlay, a researcher studying justice-involved Veterans, indicates more than half of justice-involved Veterans suffer from mental health issues and substance abuse disorders, contributing to their involvement in the criminal justice system. VA’s outreach and diversion program rehabilitates non-violent offenders, focusing on their rehabilitation rather than retribution.
The program grants Veterans military diversion, during which they engage in rehabilitation, therapy, and anger management courses. Once they complete the program successfully, their charges are dismissed by the court.
Veterans who have gone through the program have found recovery and purpose in helping others on a similar journey. The impact of these programs extends to the families of Veterans, alleviating the stress of worrying about their loved ones’ incarceration.
Dr. Finlay emphasizes the needs of extra support and guidance to improve the lives of this population. VA programs, such as the Health Care for Reentry Veterans Program and The Veterans Justice Outreach Program, provide support, medical, mental health, and substance abuse disorder treatment, housing assistance, and more to justice-involved Veterans. These programs adapt to the different needs of Veterans in jail or prison versus those living in the community but involved in the justice system.
Although Veterans from different service eras may have varying justice involvement patterns, the focus on helping justice-involved Veterans remains a priority, given the overlap between justice involvement, suicide, homelessness, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury. The issue continues to receive attention, with the expansion of Veterans treatment courts as a testament to the commitment to addressing this ongoing challenge.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
