VETERANS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

The veteran’s journey (1) Discharge – resettlement, medical, leaflets Civvy Street – return to chaos-contact Job search – may be unsuccessful Relationships – may be strained Resulting in: –Angry, violent behaviour –Recourse to alchohol, drugs - contact –Crime

Police awareness – symptoms, contact Arrest – awaiting charge - contact Courts – any defence, symptoms, contact Conviction Sentence - mitigation Prison – symptoms, contact The veteran’s journey (2)

Behaviour, symptoms Stigma Confidentiality Health and Wellbeing department Charities contact Prepare for resettlement Release Chaos The veteran’s journey (3)

HOW CAN WE HELP? Make contact with resettlement process Make contact in Garrison towns Make contact with local police and offer symptom awareness, treatment Make contact with local courts, magistrates – to offer support Make contact with local prisons – symptom awareness, treatment

TREATMENT Initial introduction crucial Rapport – take time – crucial – build trust Explain no re-telling IES, CORE, ORS, SRS Feed back general progress to staff, but retain confidentiality Follow up Prep for discharge Continuity if posted

THERAPISTS’ CONFERENCE 5 TH FEB 2011