Each November, military veterans are recognized and honored for their service. But what often goes unrecognized is the struggle many service members experience as they transition from military professionals to civilians. A safe and successful reintegration requires support, community and time – important life components that are not available for every veteran.
Without a network, some veterans become involved with the criminal justice system. Corrisoft believes that the sacrifices our service members demonstrate are evidence that they can successfully complete community programming, and that’s why we partner with veterans courts across the country. This month, we delve into the need for these specialized courts, the work they do, and how we partner with them.
The lasting impacts of service can create challenges that lead to negative behavior.
In March 2023, the Veterans Crisis Line experienced a record number of calls, texts or chats — more than 88,000 contacts. While many factors contribute to why someone may call the hotline, veterans cite resurfacing trauma as a reason. Extreme stressors can link to PTSD and sometimes don’t surface until months after being home.
Without proper support, research shows veterans are 1 in 10 times more likely to have a substance abuse disorder — which is slightly higher than that of civilians. Untreated PTSD, substance abuse and mental health disorders can lead to crime. The Council on Criminal Justice reports that 1 in 3 veterans said they have been arrested at least once.
Veterans treatment courts provide specialized care to help veterans recover their lives.
From the smallest unit to the largest, each military branch has a clear chain of command. An officer is in charge of each service member and makes sure the individual meets certain requirements during their time serving. Veterans courts work very similarly by appointing caseworkers who have veteran-specific training to work closely with participants to support them through rehabilitation. They offer a unique approach to benefit veterans by re-instilling the same disciplines learned during service.
For the courts to be effective, caseworkers and supervision officers need tools that help them efficiently distribute critical resources and specifically address the challenges that stem from mental illness and addiction. The chains of command in treatment courts — the clear, outlined path to rehabilitation — is one of the ways the courts are so successful. By having these familiar skills and practices, veterans are automatically set up for success.
Corrisoft technology can create essential connections that contribute to the success of veterans courts.
Corrisoft’s AIR® platform offers a spectrum of smartphone-based solutions to help treatment courts deliver graduated levels of accountability. These tools allow agencies to administer the appropriate level of supervision for every phase of a program term.
Smartphone technology allows case managers to interact with their clients more frequently. It creates a direct line of communication for veterans through video chat for virtual check-ins, shared online calendars, automated reminders for meetings, and direct access to rehabilitation programs.
These tools are offered to all participants, including underprivileged veterans who may not have access otherwise. The accountability veterans were used to having while serving is implemented in treatment courts allowing them to prove their commitment to the program much like they proved their commitment to their country.
With Corrisoft’s AIR® product suite, monitoring agencies, and specialized courts can easily customize treatment and rehabilitation plans to best fit those under their supervision. Learn more about how Corrisoft can help you better serve the justice-involved individuals in your organization’s programs today.