Veteran Justice Outreach Program
The Veteran Justice Outreach (VJO) Program is a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) designed to identify and support military veterans in the criminal justice system. Its primary mission is to help these vets get “access to VA services at the earliest possible point,” according to VA.gov.
The VA says there are VJO Specialists ready “at every VA medical center” to provide “outreach to justice-involved Veterans in various settings, including jails and courts.” VJO acts as a bridge, connecting veterans who are in jail or appearing in court with the medical care, treatment, and related benefits they have earned through military service.
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When was the program created?
The program was established in 2009 to address a growing crisis of veterans becoming entangled with the law.
The VA and justice system officials recognized that for many veterans, criminal behavior was thought to be a symptom of underlying, service-related health issues. The VJO program was created to address the root causes of these veteran issues. The program is meant to reduce recidivism and help veterans reclaim their lives.
The program serves former military members of any era who have become involved with the criminal justice system. This may apply to a variety of circumstances, whether the veteran is in jail awaiting trial or appearing in court. The program is designed to reach veterans as early as possible after their arrest.
How VJO Works
The program works through specially trained VA employees called VJO Specialists, who seek military clients to help. Once a veteran is identified, the specialist assesses their health and social needs, determines their eligibility for VA services, and acts as a liaison between the veteran and the justice system.
They then facilitate a direct connection to appropriate VA programs and services. Find a VJO Specialist near you.
What is a VJO Specialist and what do they do?
The VJO Specialist is a VA professional, an expert in both the VA healthcare system and the local criminal justice system. Their key responsibilities include:
- Regularly visiting jails and courts to identify and engage with veterans.
- Conducting preliminary clinical screenings to understand a veteran’s medical, mental health, and housing needs.
- Communicating crucial information about a veteran’s health status to judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys to advocate for treatment-focused solutions.
- Guiding veterans through enrolling in VA care.
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Does the VJO program help a veteran get their charges dismissed?
The VJO program’s goal is to connect veterans with treatment. By engaging in a VA treatment plan, often through a Veterans Treatment Court, a veteran demonstrates a commitment to working on issues that led to arrest. In return for completing the court-supervised program, judges may agree to review the charges, but the focus is on the veteran’s rehabilitation.
What VA services can a veteran access through the VJO program?
The VJO program connects veterans to VA services, including:
- Access to evidence-based therapies for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other conditions, as well as psychiatric medication management.
- Substance abuse care, from detoxification and residential rehab to outpatient counseling.
- Connections to emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing programs like HUD-VASH.
- Enrollment in VA primary care to address physical health problems.
- Referrals for employment assistance, vocational rehabilitation, and benefits counseling.
What are Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs), and how does the VJO program relate to them?
Veterans Treatment Courts are specialized court dockets that handle criminal cases involving veterans through a non-adversarial, treatment-focused approach. Instead of a standard trial, a team including a judge, attorneys, and community supervision officers works together to help the veteran engage in a rigorous, court-supervised treatment plan
The VJO Specialist is a member of this team. They serve as the direct link to the VA, providing the court with regular updates on the veteran’s progress in treatment, advocating for therapeutic responses to any setbacks, and ensuring the veteran’s healthcare plan is integrated with their legal obligations.
How does the VJO program benefit the community?
For communities, it enhances public safety by reducing the likelihood that a veteran will reoffend. For the justice system, it eases the burden on overcrowded jails and courts by moving individuals with complex health needs into a more appropriate system of care. For the nation, it represents a fulfillment of the promise to support those who have served the country, ensuring they are not discarded when facing challenges after their service.
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About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
