Navigating life after military service can present unique challenges for veterans, particularly for those who become involved with the justice system. Understanding and addressing the specific needs of justice-involved veterans is crucial for effective support and rehabilitation.
With support from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Veterans Affairs and lived experience experts, The Change Companies has developed curricula to address these specific needs: Redefining the Mission: Veterans’ Reentry and Veterans’ Career Exploration.
Redefining the Mission: Veterans’ Reentry
This reentry preparation curriculum employs evidence-based strategies to reduce recidivism after release, ease transition stress from military to civilian life and prepare veterans for a successful transition and community reintegration.
The Redefining the Mission: Veterans’ Reentry curriculum includes gender-responsive participant Journals for men and women, pocket guides, Facilitator Guides and DVDs featuring previously incarcerated veterans.
Topics in this curriculum include the following:
- Communication and relationships
- Finding housing
- Meeting legal responsibilities
- Working toward a career
- Managing finances
- Caring for physical health
- Caring for mental health
- Finding balance and purpose
- Committing to success
Veterans’ Career Exploration
The Veterans’ Career Exploration curriculum helps prepare justice-involved veterans for a meaningful career. It guides veterans in translating military skills into a civilian career; provides opportunities for application of veterans’ strengths, skills, and interests; and offers valuable insight on key employment skills, such as successful interviews, good work habits and thriving in a civilian career. The curriculum emphasizes autonomy and empowerment in finding purpose and meaning after the military and seeking work-life balance that works for the participant.
Journals in this curriculum include the following:
- Veterans’ Career Exploration Journal 1: Self-assessment
- Veterans Career Exploration Journal 2: Making an Operation Plan
- Veterans' Career Exploration Journal 3: Starting Out Strong
The accompanying Facilitator Guides provide the knowledge necessary to assist justice-involved veterans in their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration into society.This includes material to help facilitators understand:
- Military culture
- Public perception of service members and veterans
- Challenges related to transitioning out of the military
- Myths and facts about the veteran population
- FAQs about the veteran population
- Challenges veterans face in reentry
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Challenges veterans face in the civilian workforce
By implementing the veteran-specific curricula, clinicians and facilitators can better support this population. This is just one way to prioritize the well-being of the individuals who have served our country and honor their sacrifices through compassionate and effective care while in incarceration.
