Understanding and Assisting Veterans Involved in the Criminal Justice System

Date

10/1/2019

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Abstract

U.S. veterans have made significant contributions to American freedom and many have risked their lives to defend the country. Some suffer a range of poor physical and behavioral health outcomes upon returning to civilian life, putting them at greater risk for criminal justice involvement. Military veterans comprise a small but noteworthy percentage of the justice-involved population. Research suggests military service may contribute to aggression; 64 percent of veterans in U.S. prisons were sentenced for a violent offense and of those, one-third are serving time for a violent sexual offense. This article examines veteran needs that, when unmet, may contribute to justice involvement, as well as programs designed to address those needs. Veteran-specific services, including veteran treatment courts, may be critical for improving treatment outcomes. Future research directions and recommendations also are discussed.

Description

U.S. veterans have made significant contributions to American freedom and many have risked their lives to defend the country. Some suffer a range of poor physical and behavioral health outcomes upon returning to civilian life, putting them at greater risk for criminal justice involvement. Military veterans comprise a small but noteworthy percentage of the justice-involved population. Research suggests military service may contribute to aggression; 64 percent of veterans in U.S. prisons were sentenced for a violent offense and of those, one-third are serving time for a violent sexual offense. This article examines veteran needs that, when unmet, may contribute to justice involvement, as well as programs designed to address those needs. Veteran-specific services, including veteran treatment courts, may be critical for improving treatment outcomes. Future research directions and recommendations also are discussed.

Keywords

Justice-involved Individuals, Assaults, Offender Treatment/Intervention

Citation

DOI