(Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two-part series by Karen Weber-Stanley. It was published by The Airborne Quarterly Magazine in its Spring 2009 issue.)
In 1978, the Veterans Administration (VA) established limited outreach for incarcerated veterans. In 1998 (nearly 20 years later!) the Veterans Issues Group (VIG) became a realization in collaboration with the VA, Vet Centers, and numerous county, federal and state agencies. The rationale behind this joint program is the hypothesis that pre-release discharge planning reduces recidivism. With the approval of successive wardens at San Quentin, and professionals in the field of Veterans Affairs, this program has been facilitated through their volunteer efforts.
During 10 years of data compilation of incarcerated veterans by the San Quentin Veterans Issues Group, multiple factors were identified that lead to the successful reintegration to society of incarcerated veterans.
Many veterans become incarcerated due to unmet needs. These needs can be as simple as the inability to cope with “civilian life,” to as complicated as mental illness, substance abuse, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To identify and treat these unmet needs is paramount to the successful reintegration of the incarcerated veteran.
In March 2005, the Forensic Mental Health Association of California held its 30th annual conference. The VIG was contacted by the team assembling the agenda for the conference, and asked to make available the VIG Therapy Manual. Among the topics at the conference was the need for veteran specific programs when addressing therapy. The VIG manual became the national model as a result of this conference.
The manual is a framework that allows different curricula to be used to meet objectives. The outline of the program requires all members to participate at an equal level. The facilitators’ only requirement is to document when a specific course has been completed. All other documentation is at the sole discretion of the outside facilitators. This relieves any agenda other than the completion of the curriculum, which is agreed upon at the outset of becoming a member of the VIG group. Because all members are equal, the program can easily move forward to address core issues necessary to make change. By giving the facilitators a completely open forum, the curriculum is open for all manner of discussion, and each member is able to address the group openly. Reviewing the VIG manual brought to light that it is a living document, and is subject to change to meet current therapeutical techniques.
The initial seven-module program was non-veteran specific, and this illustrated the need for the VIG manual and curriculum, which specifically addresses the needs of veterans who are incarcerated. It was noted that “anonymity and confidentially” were necessary when addressing a Veteran’s core beliefs and past trauma. Most programs provide guidelines, but in the VIG program the veterans set those guidelines and have the choice of modules and the specific curriculum herein. This ensures that the unique needs of veterans who are incarcerated are met.
In 2000, the VIG became aware of a program in New York State developed by Don Little and James Stirollo. This program consisted of 27 12-week to 24-week modules specific to incarcerated veterans needs. By reviewing the statistical information through veterans who participated in the New York Project, it became crystal clear that veterans who had two or more years participation have less than one percent recidivism rate.
The 10-year statistical study on San Quentin VIG members that have been paroled reflects a zero recidivism rate! The key factor in both programs is the fact that therapy modules are conducted exclusively with veteran members. This provides a level of confidence for the veteran to openly participate. The VIG members adopted the curriculum specific to incarcerated veterans, and opened the door to success. The curriculum reaches the individual veteran, giving him the tools to make lifestyle changes. VIG prepares its veterans to enter established VA and private veteran programs. As members of the VIG program develop insight, and address community reentry issues, the members join veteran programs or become facilitators in community outreach. These outreach programs are extensive and directly and positively impact the community. Programs such as R.E.A.L. choices, which works with at-risk youth; Operation MOM, which raises funds and packs care packages for deployed soldiers, the yearly scholarship program provides educational funding assistance to veterans children
Additional programs include Stamps for Soldiers, which provides assistance in hand-to-eye coordination activities for wounded veterans in VA hospitals. Tabs for Tots assists families with children in treatment for cancer, and the Christmas Toy program, which reaches hundreds of children during the holiday season. The newest endeavor reaches returning wounded soldiers with handcrafted presentation boxes.
To be continued…