“The documented success stories speak for themselves in terms of the benefits of having veteran-only cellblocks in county and state jails. In fact, it’s been reported that the recidivism rate in one jail is down to six percent where the regular jail recidivism rate is a whopping 40 percent.”
Programs geared towards rehabilitating veterans have begun springing up in jails across the United States. These specialized cellblocks provide treatment specific to the challenges veterans face stemming from their military service. Rather than being thrown into the general population, veteran inmates can find a home within cellblocks that have been set up to treat common roadblocks such as substance abuse and PTSD.
Many veterans often find life outside of the military difficult. Some fall into a destructive cycle of alcohol or drug abuse that may be related to injuries received while in service. In fact, many veterans receive bad conduct discharges from the military due to conditions that may have been caused by service-connected injuries. These types of discharges can have detrimental effects on veterans because many won’t qualify for services provided by the VA based upon discharge status.
Through their Incarcerated Veterans Program, the non-profit group Soldier On has worked with the criminal justice system to provide support for veterans who are locked up. Inmates can receive comprehensive treatment and attention while incarcerated that is specifically tailored to individual needs. Upon evaluation, inmates can begin implementing a program that best suits their mental and physical health. Chaplains and other staff members work with the program to offer services to incarcerated veterans. Soldier On also helps to set up the inmates for life after release.
Through their Incarcerated Veterans Program, the non-profit group Soldier On has worked with the criminal justice system to provide support for veterans who are locked up.
Since dealing with the bureaucracy that is the VA can be daunting, Soldier On assists veterans with applying to receive benefits they have earned. They also offer housing to inmates once they are released. The aim of the program is to set veterans up for success upon release.
Many inmates in veteran-only cellblocks have reported feeling a sense of camaraderie within this environment. Since veterans often face the same difficulties coping, being around others who truly “get it” can be therapeutic. Being surrounded by fellow veterans may also prove to be useful in situations such as group therapy sessions.
From experience, veterans are more likely to be candid with another veteran than with someone who has no military background. Giving inmates that support is crucial to treatment as veterans serve their jail time. It provides a feeling of community to these veterans who often are missing that upon their discharge. There was even a reported instance of veteran inmates banding together to rescue a jail guard from an attack by other inmates.
Recovery is vitally important for veterans to succeed in society, and veteran only cell blocks are a big step in the right direction.
These cellblocks operate differently across the United States. Some are structured to resemble military life complete with flag raising and formation, while others refrain from implementing military remnants into daily activities. All are designed to offer a safe place within the criminal justice system for veterans to heal.
The documented success stories speak for themselves in terms of the benefits of having veteran-only cellblocks in county and state jails. In fact, it’s been reported that the recidivism rate in one jail is down to six percent where the regular jail recidivism rate is a whopping 40 percent. Some have walked away from jail and into successful careers, some have even gone on to work for Soldier On. Recovery is vitally important for veterans to succeed in society, and veteran only cell blocks are a big step in the right direction.
