The purpose of the Veteran Justice Partnership (VJP) program at Soldier On is to provide services, treatment options and alternative sentencing for veterans who are facing incarceration. Soldier On’s VJP case managers perform outreach in all jails and courts throughout western Massachusetts at least once a month. In addition, the case managers represent and advocate for veterans in courts across the state as needed.
The goal of Soldier On’s Veteran Justice Partnership is to enroll veterans in need of a treatment program instead of serving jail time. We strive to admit veterans into Soldier On’s program and into treatment as soon as possible while continuing conversation with probation and parole. VJP case managers follow the veteran’s case through until the end; contacting courts, lawyers, parole, probation, and judges with updates regarding the veteran’s participation and treatment. Through advocacy and cooperation with local service organizations, this program aims to provide veterans in need with case management, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling in order to avoid serving jail time.
VJP case managers provide specific services that include:
- Appear in court with veterans to provide information about resources, programs and treatment options
- Provide peer support to veterans involved in the criminal justice system
- Ensure veterans have access to all of the benefits available to them at federal, state and local levels
- Coordinate treatment with local and state probation and parole agencies to ensure seamless services and support to veterans
- Refer and link to services as needed including medical and metal health care, substance abuse treatment, veterans services, vocational and independent living skills programs, transitional residence programs, and family support
- Coordinate 12 months of peer support
- Coordinate 12 months of case management
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