Jail programs help veteran inmates work through problems and reintegrate into society
February 02, 2018
Veterans returning home from military service often face numerous problems that can make the transition to civilian life difficult. They may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the invisible wounds of war such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, anxiety and depression. As a result, they are at a high risk of ending up in jail.
According to the Department of Justice, most veteran inmates are typically not criminals before their military service. In addition, they are more likely to have reported mental health issues.
In an effort to help former service members, jails nationwide have introduced so-called veteran pods. The pods are designated cellblocks in which veteran inmates can access special programs and deal with problems like PTSD or substance abuse. The majority of such programs were initiated in the last five years.
A growing number of state and county jails have integrated pods into their systems as the focus shifts from punishing veterans to helping them reintegrate into civilian life following their release. Government data indicates veterans are housed in separate cellblocks in more than 86 jails nationwide.
Although programs vary across each facility, they share the common goal of preparing veterans for life after their release. Some activities that veteran inmates may participate in include yoga, meditation, monthly formations and daily flag-raising ceremonies. In Denver, Colorado, they have access to classes such as anger management and conflict resolution. The program at New York’s Albany County Jail focuses on intensive counseling and daily group sessions.
Statistics from Albany County Jail show the program has had a positive effect so far. Only 6 percent of 331 veteran inmates have returned to jail over the years, compared with around 40 percent of the general inmate population.