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Following on from last month’ s article on Veterans in Prison, the SBT is delighted to be introducing the Veterans Change Partnership
The‘ Veterans Change Partnership’( VCP) is a Community Interest Company( CIC) with clear charitable objectives. It is intended to offer an innovative, special purpose, intensive programme of rehabilitation and family support for military veteran offenders.
Most former military personnel move on to excellent second careers, but a few struggle to make the transition back to civilian life. This group is prone to mental health problems and alcohol and drug misuse. They are often homeless and end up in prison; increasing numbers have committed or attempted suicide.
In 2014, research by HM Inspector of Prisons, reported that 7 % of the prison population were military veterans( circa 6,000) with an equivalent number on some form of Probation / Community Order. Aside from the effects on the individuals and their families, this level of unsuccessful military transition represents a considerable cost to the taxpayer.
The VCP programme will provide a safe, community based alternative to custody and community supervision, with training, personal development, therapy and through-care support, including assistance with access into employment- thus reducing the chance of reoffending and helping the individuals forge meaningful lives as worthy citizens. Working with the three Devon prisons and the regional Community Rehabilitation Company( CRC), it will also promote greater understanding of the challenges many veterans experience during transition back into civilian life, generating increased support from within society and the local business communities.
Through an environmental and relationship approach to training, delivered by skilled former military and civilian leaders / trainers / teachers, the initiative will significantly reduce rates of recidivism by this cohort. Importantly, the Centre will provide a‘ hub’, co-ordinating the delivery of services, assisting the veteran offenders to transition back into purposeful civilian lives.
All veteran offenders will be considered for the programme, unless their offending profile is so serious as to preclude them i. e. those offenders that are subject to defined ' Multi-agency Public Protection Arrangements '( MAPPA). Acceptance will be based upon individual motivational interviews and a demonstration of a firm and genuine desire for personal change.
Once established, the programme can be considered as part of the NHS / Police‘ Liaison and Diversion’ programmes, and for some military veteran offenders, as an alternative to custody.
The VCP has secured the support of key local, regional and national public, private and third sector bodies, including Prison and Probation / CRC staffs. Working closely with these stakeholders, it has developed robust risk management procedures. Importantly, it has built networks that will sustain the programme beyond its initial 2.5-year business plan.
The cost per trainee will be £ 7.7K for the 12- month programme, based upon a 2½-year project cost of £ 2.2m for 192 participants( to include recruitment & training of staff, the purchase of equipment and programme delivery). Devon & Torbay Local Authority Housing Offices, Job Centre Plus, Police, CRC and health providers have agreed support once the programme is operational. The RN / RM and RAFA charities have also agreed to support individual trainees attending the programme; similar support is being sought from Help for Heroes, the RBL and The Tudor Trust.
Programme Outline
The VCP Programme will be delivered in 3 phases: –
• Phase 1- Pre-course risk assessments and motivational interviews in prison and / or the community.
• Phase 2 – 11-week residential courses of personal development, therapy, self-esteem, confidence, communication, social, academic, work life and functional skills training, addressing motivation, thoughts, feelings, attitudes, offending behaviour, substance misuse and employability- SOSGE( Seek Obtain Sustain Gainful Employment)
• Phase 3- A minimum of 9 months VCP and peer volunteer mentor support into work and accommodation. Future peer mentors will stem from successful trainees.
In parallel, mentoring support and‘ Information, Advice & Guidance’( IAG) programmes will be provided for families in need and who seek it.
The transformation in offending behaviour and the re-building of personal confidence and selfesteem will be achieved through a range of demanding activities, managing their psychological issues and developing their key life and social skills. Training will include Restorative Justice( RJ), anger management, team work, leadership & skills training( including NVQ and functional skills qualifications) and volunteer work placement; all designed to prepare trainees for re-entry into civilian life. Group and individual therapy and medical sessions will also be provided – addressing personal well-being and mental health( anxiety, stress and Combat Related
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