Corrections_Today_May_June_2019

Communications & Publications

6. Veterans suffer less anxiety about group living. They are more flexible.

PTSD Treatment Program and the Southern California Veterans in Prison (VIP) Self-Help Model. While these institutionally-based programs were very different, some commonalities were found: 1. The programs were developed to promote successful readjustment following confinement. 2. Programs addressed combat related trauma and PTSD specifically. 3. Programs were developed to address trauma and how to adapt. 4. Programs emphasized the veteran successfully managing re-entry. 5. Programs were developed to instill discipline among participants. 6. Programs recognized the past service of those involved. The most prolific veteran program you find throughout the country in what the professor calls a “small but significant trend” are veteran dorms or units. These units, which house only veterans with varying admission criteria, are not treatment units but have the luxury of housing only those who have served in the same living space. And while not designed for treatment, the units have offenders who work and live together and deal with issues like PTSD, substance

use and combat stress. Generally, but not universally, only those with honorable discharges are allowed admission. Seamone indicates there are three major benefits of housing veterans in a specialized unit: 1. Providing a safe environment to discuss sensitive and potentially sensitive issues, enabling veterans to discuss suppressed experiences and feelings. 2. Instilling a sense of accountability in each member. Every participant has a stake in the unit and if there is a desire to maintain self-accountability to remain in the program. As a member of a community, members generally work toward successful community reintegration. 3. Providing a venue for increased responsibility. This includes leadership, but also includes duties that help develop skills in problem areas. These units, where they are located, provide impetus for veterans to overcome a host of issues, many involving mental health. Correctional officers assigned to the units are many times veterans themselves and assist the members in resolving issues. 8 Finally, after the implementation of 38 CFR 17.38, there is a prohibition for the Veterans Administration to

Some of the characteristics one might find in a veteran-specific program include: 1. Some type of distinctive identification, such as a uniform or a patch 2. Awards for merit among the population 3. Veteran memorials at institutions 4. Military regimens 5. Veteran-focused work duties 6. Public service projects 7. Positions of responsibilities within veteran units 8. Military-themed illustrations 9. Visits from veterans in the community 10. Specific value-based standards of conduct While these attributes and characteristics are not in every veterans program or veterans unit/ dorm, they do represent what is seen throughout the country. Institutionally-based programs in prisons and jails are few and far between. Some of those highlighted in Seamone’s book include: The Federal Correctional Institution Phoenix Second Tour Program and PSTD Program for Combat Veterans, The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Vietnam

88 — May/June 2019 Corrections Today

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