presenters lt. barbara taylor inmate processing commander juvenile assessment center director...
TRANSCRIPT
CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
Incarcerated Veterans
Presenters
Lt. Barbara Taylor Inmate Processing Commander Juvenile Assessment Center
Director
Experience:○ 23 years with the Pasco Sheriff’s
Office
Education:○ Bachelor’s Degree
Social Science & Public Administration
Certified Jail Manager
Jessica Porter Inmate Programs
Coordinator
Experience:○ 5 years with the Pasco
Sheriff’s Office
Education:○ Master’s Degree
Public Administration
History of the Veterans Housing Unit
The idea was the result of an FBI leadership training class
in Quantico, Va.
With Sheriff Nocco’s approval, research was conducted
into programs at other facilities which could be used as a
template.
Staff visited Orange County’s detention facility to observe
their Veterans Unit and programs.
Identification of veterans commenced during inmate
classification interviews.
Contact was made with community and governmental
organizations which serve the veteran population.
Veterans Treatment Court History:
In 2013, the Florida Legislature approved funding for the purpose of creating a pretrial felony or misdemeanor veterans’ treatment intervention program.
“The model here is smart justice — making sure that we prioritize treatment over incarceration so that veterans do not fall through the cracks and do not re-offend.” Assistant State Attorney Chris Sprowls
Veterans Treatment CourtOn October 1, 2013, Sixth Circuit Chief Judge Thomas McGrady signed Administrative Order 2013-063 PA/PI-CIR creating the Veterans Treatment Court in Pinellas
and Pasco Counties.
“The purpose of the Veterans Treatment Court is to comprehensively address, through collaboration between
the court system, treatment providers, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the service-
related mental health and substance abuse issues of certain veterans and members of the United States
Armed Forces who are charged with criminal offenses. The goal is to reduce recidivism through treatment.”
Veterans Treatment CourtEligibility criteria: The defendant is a veteran or service-member.
The defendant suffers from a military service-related mental
illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorder, or
psychological problem.
The charges are misdemeanors or some lesser felonies.
The defendant has not previously participated in VTC.
Other factors include: Facts of the case The input of the victim The defendant’s criminal record The defendant’s relevant service records
VETERANS HOUSING UNIT
Pasco Sheriff’s Office
Services Veterans Service Office
Military Records Explanation of Benefits
Vets CenterIndividual Sessions for Veterans suffering
from Combat or Military Sexual TraumaBi-weekly Life Skills Classes For All Vets
○ Once a Warrior, Always a WarriorBy Charles W. Hoge, MD, Colonel (Ret.) US Army
Services
University of South FloridaTreatment of Post Traumatic Stress DisorderAccelerated Resolution Therapy
○ Reduction of symptoms by having the patient move his or her eyes from right to left, following the therapist’s waving hand.
○ The patient is asked to imagine a positive way to remember the experience, which replaces the previously traumatic one.
○ Usually one to three sessions○ No homework outside of sessions○ No verbalization of the traumatic events
Services Supportive Services for Veteran Families
“Housing First” Philosophy After housing is established, a variety of other services are offered
which support stability & sobriety SSVF has already secured housing for at least one veteran after
his release
Developing understanding in agency members through: Crisis Intervention Training Assigning veterans when possible
○ Deputies○ Mental Health Workers
Display of flag and military symbols
in housing unit
Challenges Limited time for interventions
Transitory population Classification
Self-ReportingSpace & staff constraints
Chronic mental illness Chronic homelessness
Combating the mentality Suspicion & cynicism about government
Female veteran inmates less receptive to services Complexity of the V.A. system
Opportunities
Increase awareness of V.A. funded programs.At-risk population uninformed about local
resources. Establish relationships with community
partners prior to release.Veterans are more apt to seek out help when
released if they make this personal connection while incarcerated.
Recognition of military service helps restore dignity and confidence.
Reduce recidivism, create a stronger community for our veterans, and repay the debt
we owe to them for their sacrifice and service.
Ultimate Goal: