www.ptsdresolution.org

VETERANS IN THE CRIMINALJUSTICE 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

www.ptsdresolution.org

THERAPISTS’ CONFERENCE5TH FEB 2011