Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC)’s Post

Veterans who are incarcerated are in a unique, and often quite challenging, position. For people struggling with PTSD or other forms of trauma, life while incarcerated can mirror life in a combat zone. And even after incarceration, reentry comes with a different set of complexities for veterans seeking to regain stability. Federal, state, and local policymakers, as well as business and nonprofit leaders in the community, all must play a role in creating and promoting opportunities for veterans reentering the community. The Veterans Justice Commission at Council on Criminal Justice has compiled five recommendations to close an existing gap or reduce a barrier: 1. Prioritize the Recruiting and Hiring of Justice-Involved Veterans 👩🏽💻 2. Identify and Provide VA Healthcare to Incarcerated Veterans 🩺 3. Eliminate Administrative Barriers to Housing Eligibility and Prevent Benefit Arrearages✍🏼 4. Evaluate and Develop Best Practices for Veterans Housing Units 🏠 5. Create “Second Look” Review Processes That Recognize Military Service 📋 Dive into the details of each recommendation’s related findings in the full report: https://bit.ly/40yJzAN #VeteransDay

Did you know? The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers two innovative programs: Veterans Mobile Evaluation Team (VMET) and Veterans Response Teams (VRT), which collaborate with local law enforcement to enhance access to mental health care for veterans in crisis. These programs meet the needs of assessing veterans' mental health in the event of a crisis to increase trust and potentially avoid incarceration or involuntary hospitalization. https://lnkd.in/gT8AjpaA

Today CCJ’s Veterans Justice Commission released a brief chronicling the nation’s evolving approach to providing targeted healthcare to incarcerated military veterans. The report was produced by the late Evan Seamone, who spent 20 years in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps and was an adviser to the Commission.     Healing on the Inside: A History of Healthcare for Incarcerated Veterans begins just after World War 1, as a wave of service members returned from Europe with distressing symptoms, ranging from fatigue and tremors to confusion, nightmares, and impaired sight and hearing. These symptoms became known as “shell shock,” and they seemed connected to criminal behavior.     As state surveys found a substantial share of incarcerated veterans with service-related conditions, the Veterans Bureau (the predecessor to the VA) developed plans to provide targeted treatment within correctional facilities. But as a federal agency, the bureau was unable to compel participation by state prison wardens, and limited resources created other impediments to progress. The result was a patchwork system enabling incarcerated veterans in some states to receive care designed to address their unique service-related physical and mental health needs, while others did not.      Discover the rest of the story – along with opportunities for future progress – in this fascinating report: https://lnkd.in/eE_z9y5C  

#Corrections facilities, be it #jails or #prisons, like #RikersIsland, generally fail the #prisoners whose medical needs are most acute through a combination of neglect and malice. https://lnkd.in/g5hKkjMV

"Justice and Healing: The Role of Veterans Courts in PTSD Treatment" The recent tragedy surrounding the passing of Christon DeVante Collins at DeKalb County Jail has cast a somber light on the challenges facing veterans within the criminal justice system. Christon's story is a poignant reminder of the complex issues that many veterans grapple with upon their return to civilian life. In this blog post, we delve into the intersection of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), veterans' experiences, and the role of Veterans Courts in providing compassionate and effective support for those in need." Military veterans often face unique challenges upon returning to civilian life, and for some, these challenges can lead to involvement in the criminal justice system. Recognizing the need for specialized support and rehabilitation, many jurisdictions across the United States, including DeKalb County and Fulton County in Georgia, have established Veterans Courts. These specialized courts offer an alternative to traditional prosecution, focusing on treatment, rehabilitation, and support for veterans facing criminal charges. The Veterans Court Approach: Veterans Courts operate on the principle that veterans who have served their country deserve a second chance. Instead of punitive measures, these courts emphasize treatment for underlying issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance abuse, and mental health disorders. Through a collaborative approach involving judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers, and veterans service organizations, participants in Veterans Courts receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs. Benefits of Veterans Courts: Veterans Courts offer numerous benefits for participants, communities, and the criminal justice system as a whole. By addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, these programs reduce recidivism rates among veterans and promote successful reintegration into society. They also help alleviate the burden on overcrowded jails and prisons, saving taxpayer dollars and promoting public safety. Moreover, Veterans Courts honor the sacrifices made by veterans in service to their country by providing them with the resources and support they need to overcome challenges and lead productive lives. While Veterans Courts have shown promising results, challenges remain in ensuring access to these programs for all eligible veterans and maintaining adequate funding and resources. Additionally, ongoing efforts are needed to raise awareness about Veterans Courts among veterans, legal professionals, and the community at large. By continuing to support Veterans Courts, we can uphold our commitment to those who have served our country as they navigate the criminal justice system and transition to civilian life. #veteranscourt #veterans #justice #dekalbcounty #fultoncounty #nami #mentalhealthsupport

A perspective in Governing from Brock Hunter, an Army veteran and adviser to CCJ's Veterans Justice Commission, on how states can better manage military veterans whose service-related trauma is a factor in their criminal offending: https://lnkd.in/g3jarCVp As part of its work, the commission has developed a policy roadmap states can use to expand alternatives to prosecution and incarceration for justice-involved veterans. “People who have served this nation in our armed forces have sacrificed to protect us," the commission said. "It is time to better recognize that sacrifice and take steps to ensure that our veterans are not lost in our prisons and jails, but instead receive interventions that can help them resume their responsibilities to their families, their communities, and their country.” Roughly 200,000 active-duty service members leave the armed forces each year, and while most transition successfully, many struggle with mental health and substance use disorders, the effects of traumatic brain injury, homelessness, and criminality. CCJ launched the Veterans Justice Commission in August 2022 to examine why so many veterans wind up in prison or jail and what we should do about it. Chaired by former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, the commission includes former Defense Secretary and White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta, a former Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, the chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, two formerly incarcerated veterans, and other top military, veterans, and criminal justice leaders. Learn more about the policy framework and the commission's other work - and keep an eye out for a final set of recommendations later this month: https://lnkd.in/gHNMGmnk

Check out this illuminating piece that demonstrates the importance of the work that our Council on Criminal Justice Veterans Justice Commission is doing to improve outcomes for veterans in the justice system and, through smoothing the challenging transition from military to civilian life, reduce the number of veterans who enter the system.

In the storied halls of our military institutions, leadership is taught as a cornerstone of military duty — synonymous with honor, responsibility, and the safeguarding of American values. Yet, the reality that unfolds for many of our veterans tells a different story, one that suggests a profound disconnect between the ideals imparted during training and the practices adopted in the field. It's a disconnect that results in a tragic waste of potential and leaves indelible scars on the lives of those who pledged to serve our nation. When young men and women step into the military, they do so under the assumption that their leaders will guide them not only in warfare but in their growth as individuals. They entrust their lives to an institution that promises camaraderie, support, and respect. But as highlighted in the distressing observations and statistics presented in the article ‘Consequences of War’, this promise is too often unmet. Instead of finding themselves valued as humans worthy of dignity and respect, many find themselves treated as mere assets that can be discarded when deemed no longer useful. This treatment manifests most tangibly through the prevalence of "bad paper" discharges — a bureaucratic term that belies its life-altering impact on those who receive them. These discharges, often issued for minor infractions or misunderstood symptoms of deeper psychological distress, can strip veterans of the very benefits (like healthcare and educational support) that they need to successfully reintegrate into civilian life. The consequences can be dire: a descent into homelessness, mental health crises, and often, incarceration. Leaders within the military have a profound duty that goes beyond operational success. They are the stewards of their servicemembers' well-being, entrusted with the immense responsibility of shaping these young lives in ways that allow them to succeed both inside the military and out. This role requires them to be advocates, counselors, and protectors, fighting just as fiercely for their servicemembers' futures as they would on the battlefield. Yet, when leaders fail to fully embrace this role — when they view those under their command through a lens of expendability or fail to intervene compassionately on their behalf — they betray not only those individuals but the very ethos of the military. The impact of such leadership failures is not just a series of personal tragedies but a broader societal failure that reflects deeply on our values as a nation. We need our military leaders to embrace a leadership style that is inclusive, empathetic, and fiercely protective. This approach involves promoting policies that support and rehabilitate rather than penalize and reject, recognizing the full humanity of every individual who serves. True military strength should foster an environment where servicemembers can thrive, their service is honored, and their sacrifices are met with the support of leaders they trust.

NEW: CCJ’s Veterans Justice Commission released its third set of recommendations today, calling on Congress to reverse a ban on VA healthcare for incarcerated veterans and urging the business community to prioritize the hiring of veterans who have been involved in the justice system. https://lnkd.in/gvXJr6u4 ➡️ The 15-member commission, led by former U.S. Defense Secretaries Chuck Hagel and Leon Panetta, said a federal rule change formalized in 1999 barred VA-provided care for veterans behind bars, reversing 70 years of practice. That left veteran care in the hands of non-VA providers, who typically lack specialized training to treat PTSD and other service-related conditions. The commission calls this a problem–for veterans and public safety—because such “invisible wounds of war” can drive criminal behavior if left unaddressed. ️➡️ To support successful reentry, the commission said government agencies and small and large companies should include veterans with criminal records in their “second chance hiring” efforts, honoring veterans’ sacrifices and helping them thrive in the country they have served. The commission created a model hiring policy outlining best practices for employing justice-involved veterans, receiving support from the Second Chance Business Coalition. ➡️ “Too many veterans leaving our criminal justice system struggle to find work and resume their lives as contributing members of their families and communities,” Commission Chair Hagel said. “This is unacceptable. America’s business and government leaders must do more to honor veterans’ service to this country by reducing barriers that bar them from the jobs they need to succeed.” ➡️ The commission also urged the federal government and states to enact “second look” legislation enabling veterans to receive mitigation considerations for military service in resentencing, parole, and clemency processes. Other recommendations include eliminating administrative barriers that restrict housing opportunities for formerly incarcerated veterans and asking Congress to fund and direct the Department of Justice, through the National Center for Veterans Justice proposed by the commission, to coordinate research on veterans housing units in jails and prisons and develop best practices for their use. Explore the report and the commission's earlier work: https://lnkd.in/g2zEkxzJ Jim D. Seward, Olivia McLarnan, Lindsey Kirchhoff, Carla Bugg, Pelicia E Hall, Mark Inch, Alford McMichael, Vincent Patton, EdD, Jo Sornborger, Giancarlo Cambrelén Santiago, Saydyie DeRosia, BERLYNN FLEURY, Michael Nail Kathy Sanchez

The Arukah Project has teamed up with Save A Warrior UK CIC to start a crowdfunding campaign. We are ambitiously seeking £35,000 which provides 10 veterans with an intensive residential course, mentorship and ongoing support for 500 days which equates to only £8 per day per person. You might be curious about why Arukah is teaming up with Save a Warrior. Well, research shows that veterans face significant challenges, ranging from financial struggles and unemployment to higher rates of homelessness. These difficulties can lead to increased risk of alcohol and substance abuse, as well as mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These vulnerabilities may lead some ex-service personnel to come in contact with the Justice System and it is currently estimated that 3.6% of the current UK prison population are veterans making them one of the largest occupational groupings in prisons. Together, Save A Warrior and Arukah are on a mission to shield our veterans from these vulnerabilities and provide them with the support they need. 🙏 💷 🤗 Ministry of Justice UK UK Ministry of Defence NHS England HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) #veterans #CPTSD #military #trauma #traumainformed #recoveryispossible #EFT #tapping #emotionalregulation Link to GoFundMe page: https://lnkd.in/eu4PX6Kp