One of the most frequent questions an organization considering veteran-specific approaches to corrections asks is “why.” While there is consensus that veterans deserve recognition, discussion remains about whether programming tailored to the needs of veterans is the most compelling way to help justice-involved veterans in the criminal justice system. After all, they share many of the same characteristics as non-veterans. But there is one crucial difference.
Military experience gives veterans work ethics, loyalties, and even skills that separate them from those who have not had similar training. Combat veterans, those who served in combat during service, are a subgroup of veterans who may have even greater needs. To classify veterans without accounting for their unique experience would be to dismiss the benefits of their service and limit access to specialized treatments and care.
In the latest publication of the National Institute of Corrections justice-involved veterans series, Barracks Behind Bars II: In Veteran-Specific Housing Units, Veterans Help Veterans Help Themselves, prison-focused programming for veterans is addressed. The publication is based on interviews with those working in the field, practicing in real time the work it takes to conceive of, develop, and sustain veteran-specific programming in a prison. As you read through the document, you will find that no two programs are exactly the same. This speaks to the flexibility that systems have to create approaches that are based on the talents and resources available in their own immediate area.
Below, you will find an audio snippet of our interview with Liberty. In this clip, he explains his “why.” Why a veteran-specific approach to corrections. We hope you will find his response not only insightful but inspiring. Veteran-specific approaches can be developed in any system. Consider reading Barracks Bars II and others in the justice-involved veterans series to find out why and also how.
Randall Liberty, Please click here to listen to a 2 minute audio recording.
In the
book, Commissioner Randall Liberty of the Maine Department of Corrections
explains how he was able to develop a program in his state. A veteran himself,
Liberty shares his own personal story from working as a military police officer
to growing into a leadership role where he could advocate for veteran-specific
approaches in jails and prisons.
Click Here to download Barracks Behind Bars II
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