Veterans Treatment Courts: Healing the Wounds

Shortly after the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, with Authorization for Use of Military Force allowing the President to use "all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks," operations began with U.S. military forces deployed to Afghanistan on October 6, 2001 (Torreon, 2017). Approximately two million service members were deployed. As veterans return home from deployment, they struggle to readjust to civilian life especially if they have been exposed to combat. Studies indicate that an estimated 20% of veterans from recent wars report symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, major depression, or traumatic brain injury (Canada & Albright, 2014). There is also a growing concern for veterans who are involved in the criminal justice system. Veterans, particularly combat veterans, may be coming into contact with the criminal justice system because of their unmet mental health needs (Canada & Albright, 2014).

An increase in veterans in contact with the criminal justice system led to the emergence of veterans treatment courts (VTC). VTCs were established to identify the root causes of veterans' criminal behavior, and help them reintegrate back into society. The VTC team generally consists of the judge, attorneys, and Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA treatment and service providers. They determine and provide appropriate treatment for veterans. For example, if a veteran enters the criminal justice system, his or her case may be transferred to the VTC. If transferred, the VTC team evaluates the veteran and the case to determine eligibility, and if the veteran and the case are eligible, the VTC offers the veteran participation. If the veteran accepts the offer, he or she is expected to participate in and receive certain treatments and services, as well as comply with specific court mandates, in lieu of incarceration (Baldwin & Rukus, 2015). If the veteran does not accept the offer, the case is transferred back to the traditional court of origin. VTCs are based on the mental health and drug treatment court models "designed on the theoretical underpinnings of therapeutic jurisprudence" (Canada & Albright, 2014).

There are a multitude of benefits associated with VTCs. In addition to significantly lower recidivism rates for participants who complete them, VTCs also save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars that would have otherwise been spent on incarceration (Henderson & Stewart, 2012).There are benefits to the communities in which the veterans reside. Reducing the effects of criminal behaviors improves overall community well-being. Veterans are also generally satisfied with their experience in VTC. They appreciate that the judge and mostly everyone there were veterans, how they gained a support system, or how the VTC addressed their personal issues in addition to their legal issues (Baldwin & Rukus, 2015). In fact, as a VTC judge handles numerous veterans' cases and is supported by a VTC team, he or she is in a much better position to effectively respond than a judge who only occasionally hears a case involving veteran defendant. A VTC judge better understands the issues that a veteran may be struggling with, such as substance addiction, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, etc, and is more familiar with veterans service organizations (Justice for Vets, 2018). In addition to that, military ritualism employed in many of these courts makes the program more relatable.

Getting help is undoubtedly the most important part of the process. The VA and the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) officers work together to provide counseling services, job placement services, and housing (Getz, 2018). As a representative from the VA is included in the VTC team, veterans can immediately register for services and receive necessary treatments. VTCs also provide mentors who can be active or retired military. Mentoring programs are often selected with input from the judge, court coordinator, and mentor coordinator. Mentors support veterans in securing housing, employment, job training, education, and transportation, and help veterans and their families navigate the VA, Social Services, and other systems (Henderson & Stewart, 2012). Veterans' relationship with their mentors throughout the program increases the likelihood of veterans successfully completing the program. The Veterans Treatment Courts: 2015 Survey Results found that VTCs are in fact providing veterans with access to much-needed services and that more than 80% of the courts indicated that they were able to match participants with mentors who could provide assistance both in and out of the courtroom (Getz, 2018).

There are a number of features that need to be strengthened within the VTC. VTCs are not not universally available and therefore only a portion of military veterans are eligible for these specialized programs (Canada & Albright, 2014). Eligibility for VTCs varies by jurisdiction. For example, a recent inventory of 461 operational VTCs across the U.S. found that 66% of courts will accept veterans with either misdemeanor or felony charges, but the remaining courts restrict participation to misdemeanor only (20%) or felony only (14%) (Tsai et al., 2018). Such restriction prevents veterans who need treatment from receiving it. Some also criticize that VTCs fail to include victims and heavily focus on offenders and legal and military communities only. As the role of the victim is minimal, some view VTCs as a get out of jail free card. An element of coercion is present as well (Baldwin & Rukus, 2015). Because veterans will be transferred back to the traditional court of origin and possibly be incarcerated, some might feel pressured and forced to accept the program. However, the force exerted by the criminal justice system on the offender to complete treatment does not appear to hinder the positive impact of the treatment (Baldwin & Rukus, 2015). Overall, studies do show that VTCs keep our veterans out of prison and provide necessary services and treatments. Expanding eligibility and actively involving victims will multiply such effects and help ensure that everyone benefits from VTCs.

References

Baldwin, J. M., & Rukus, J. (2015). Healing the Wounds: An Examination of Veterans Treatment Courts in the Context of Restorative Justice. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 26(2), 183-207.

Canada, K. E., & Albright, D. L. (2014). Veterans in the Criminal Justice System and the Role of Social Work. Journal of Forensic Social Work, 4, 48-62. 

Getz, L. (2018). Veterans Treatment Courts - Helping Vets Seek Justice. Social Work Today, 17(5), 22.

Henderson, K., & Stewart, K. (2012). Veterans Treatment Courts. American University. Retrieved from https://www.american.edu/spa/jpo/initiatives/drug-court/upload/VTC-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Justice for Vets. (2018). What is a Veterans Treatment Court? Retrieved from https://justiceforvets.org/what-is-a-veterans-treatment-court/

Tsai, J., Finlay, A., Flatley, B., Kasprow, W. J., & Clark, S. (2018). A National Study of Veterans Treatment Court Participants: Who Benefits and Who Recidivates. Adm Policy Ment Health, 45(2), 236-244.

Torreon, B. S. (2017, October 11). U.S. Periods of War and Dates of Recent Conflicts. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved from https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RS21405.pdf

How lifelong exposure to trauma impacts careers in law enforcement.

Many times in media we are quick to identify a shooting, whether it was of an officer or an individual with/without a weapon. The media has pushed this concept that police officers abuse power based on what stories have made headlines etc. Interestingly enough, it appears that we are wrong in judgment of another individual's career, especially if we have never endured what they have in order to be where they are today.

What I am referring to is exposure to trauma at either a young age, or throughout the course of their childhood. Law enforcement in itself has a daunting resume of various trauma which can be faced in an individual's tenure. It is however, how one deals with those traumas which allows them to either be successful or tarnish their career. In my research paper I discussed how an individual who grew up in a supportive household, typically would have an ability to have post-traumatic growth as opposed to their counterpart. The reason being is they are supported, both physically and mentally, but have also strengthened their identity of self and can understand the traumas they have faced. It is those who have endured trauma, and potentially pushed away their feelings or issues, who seem to suffer in the long run.

Throughout the course of this class, I was able to understand that help in the forms of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and various forms of self-care can help an individual perform at their highest level. Unfortunately, we live in a society where there is a negative stereotype surrounding mental health, and it is that same stereotype which hinders the growth of those who have suffered, or are suffering. If the stigmas are erased, people do not feel judged, and people do not feel judged, they will be more comfortable to get the help they need.

Suicide within the Law Enforcement Community- Jacob Fregia

In a recent conversation I had with a local Sheriff’s Deputy, he stated the following,  “The shootouts aren’t what get you, or even the perpetrators who attempt to resist arrest. It’s constantly dealing with people who find themselves in the worst possible situation, which in turn brings out the worst in people.  That’s what gets you.” Our topic of conversation was that of trauma, within our local police departments; and what induces it. The colleague I mention above is a younger deputy, in his early 30’s, who has been in the force for a little less than ten years.  He has a wife, and a young child. He is a good officer, with a solid reputation across the county. Though it should not be a surprise that he is now battling anxiety, and depression. As he stated above, it’s not the violent encounters he’s had that bothers him, but rather the constant day to day grind of dealing with people who are at their very worst moments.   

Depression, anxiety, and suicide are all plagues that are spreading across our country's precincts on a biblical magnitude.  In 2017, 46 officers were gunned down while on duty. In that same year, one-hundred forty police officers took their own life.  I repeat, in the year 2017 three times as many officers took their lives, compared to those who lost theirs while in the line of duty.  Though the implications as to why this epidemic is occurring is still unknown there are certain steps that need to be taken as a means to combat this issue.  

First of all, this issue should be publicized and discussed with feverence and consistency.  The first step to solving a problem, is recognizing that there is a problem at hand. Furthermore, the implementation of licensed healthcare professionals within our law enforcement departments should be of the utmost priority.  If we expect for mental health to become a forefront topic within our communities, then the necessary resources should be allocated as a means to help combat these problems. Rather than allowing these issues to maintain taboo, bringing them to the forefront of conversation will allow for positive growth and change.  

PTSD Then and Now

“PTSD Then and Now”

By: Stephen Blais

Module 3 contained some of the most interesting topic of our studies throughout this course, in my opinion. While reading the material which included symptoms and effects that trauma has on our brain, it immediately brought to mind the biographical war movie "American Sniper," which depicts the life and death of war hero Chris Kyle. There is a scene in the film where Kyle is sitting in a chair in his living room. Kyle is watching a blank screen while the film the depicts scenes from the war during one of his previous tours of duty. There seems to be some type of cookout or birthday party taking place at Kyle‘s house however his mind is clearly elsewhere and he is unable to focus on  -  or enjoy the celebration going on around him.  The horrors of the war were preventing him from enjoying what should have been a joyous occasion.  It seems to me that Kyle was experiencing dissociation and reliving.

According to our text, "If elements of the trauma are replayed again and again, the accompanying stress hormones engrave those memories ever more deeply in the mind.  Ordinary day to day events becomes less compelling, not being able to deeply take in what is going on around them makes it impossible to feel fully alive.  It becomes harder to feel the joys and aggravations of ordinary life...Not being fully alive in the present keeps them more firmly imprisoned in the past" (Van Der Kolk, p. 67, 2015).  For some reason this particular calm scene always stood out to me in an otherwise action-packed movie.

Growing up, I had a close relationship with both of my biological grandfathers who served in World War II. One served as an anti-aircraft gunner and interpreter under the direct command of General Douglas MacArthur. The other served as a turret gunner, who ended up getting shot down in the Pacific, but thankfully survived. The lessons of this class as it relates to trauma kept bringing me back to the countless discussions and stories which both of them told me of their service. Soldiers who are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan are gone for anywhere from about six months to one year per tour. Soldiers such as my grandparents were deployed for over three straight years! I can only imagine the troubles with PTSD that they must have faced when they returned home from the war. It also makes you wonder which is worse, the constant redeployment of troops that our military faces today, where soldiers serve multiple tours or being deployed for years at a time.

An interesting concept in to the difference between PTSD in World War II soldiers and that of current day soldiers in the finality associated with World War II. According to Andrew Pomerantz, the chief psychiatrist of the VA in Virginia in his discussion about the aftermath of World War II, “Society didn’t want to hear it. You don’t want to hear that your hero who has just come back from winning the war is troubled by what he did over there and the people he bombed, the people he shot. People didn’t want to hear that kind of thing. All anybody wanted to hear at the time was: Isn’t this wonderful? We won. We’ve saved the world. Thank you.” Soldiers during WWII surely suffered from PTSD, but some may have been more able to rationalize their acts of war, because we were attacked and we won the war. Today’s soldiers are fighting a war that has no end in sight, and often times they cannot differentiate from friend or foe in the battlefield.

References:

Pomerantz, A. (n.d.). Soldier's Heart. Retrieved August 13, 2018, from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/heart/themes/shellshock.html

Van Der Kolk, B.,2015.The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books New York.

Reentry Awareness Month in Philadelphia

As I’m sure I’ve made pretty obvious, the topic of returning citizens has been and continues to be a passion of mine. It’s a group of traumatized individuals that are just now beginning to receive nationwide attention, but continues to be a controversial topic. I plan on writing my final paper on the topic on this very subject. They are a group that is complex in not only its needs from the community, but are not complete victims in their struggle, as other trauma survivors are such as survivors of sexual assault. I believe that because of their history of offenses, it creates a difficulty from our community to humanize them and their traumatic experiences in places that some would argue “they deserved to be in.”

This, along with the amount of trauma experienced in prison is astounding. The moment one enters prison, several assessments of both mental health and criminal history are made along with strip and cavity searches. While in prison, violent assault, including sexual assault committed by both inmates and officers, dehumanization of inmates and utter loss of free choice is the reality of inmates. Institutionalization is the more specialized term used for inmates becoming accustomed to prison and in many ways becoming accustomed to the trauma that prison entails.

During my research for my final paper, however, I found an interesting article of a reentry month that is celebrated in Philadelphia. This Reentry Awareness Month is celebrated in June and is a new resolution for the city. The article that showcases Philadelphia’s resolution also attaches an article for trauma-informed events around the city. These events are geared not only towards the 25,000 returning citizens in the city, but to loved ones and community members that would benefit in learning about returning citizens and their plight in returning to the community and dealing with their trauma. If you wish you read more about this, here’s the link: https://generocity.org/philly/2018/05/29/reentry-awareness-month-18-events-coalition/

The manifestation of childhood trauma

In module two we explored the different types of childhood trauma’s and how these trauma’s can follow a person into adulthood causing adverse health effects. A child’s brain development can be affected by traumatic events, whether these events happen directly to the child or if the child is just a witness to a traumatic situation These effects to the brain development may have lifelong costs. For example, studies have shown that the more adverse childhood experiences a child has, the higher the chance of health problems in adulthood. Children who’ve experienced trauma may be at risk for health problems such as, asthma, depression, heart disease, strokes, etc. Further, these people may have a higher risk of suicide than those who didn’t experience any abuse as a child.

Studies have found a link between childhood abuse and mental health issues in adulthood. How the child becomes psychologically affected can depend on a variety of factors. These factors can range from, the severity of the trauma, if it is long term or short term, the type of trauma, the relationship to the abuser, etc. Each of these factors may either decrease or increase the psychological impact that the trauma has on the child. Children who’ve experience trauma, such as child abuse, may have an increased likelihood of developing several psychological conditions (e.g. bi polar disorder, PTSD, depression etc.).  (Morin, 2018)

Instead of seeking help, children and adults may suppress their emotions and bottle up how they are feeling or try to forget the trauma completely. A child with a history of trauma, may be the kid in school who has “behavioral issues”, who displays anger, and aggression for unknown reasons. As kids become adults, the trauma doesn’t just disappear, it is often buried subconsciously. We’ve also learned in our readings that adults may have only fragmented memories of trauma that may appear when they are triggered. Even if an adult did suffer traumatic events in their childhood and had gone years without receiving help, it is never too late to start healing old wounds. However, the sooner the therapy begins, the sooner the healing starts. There is no easy cure, and trauma can’t be healed with a dose of medication. Although medication can help people control their symptoms, trauma is complex to treat, and several interventions together are often more helpful and successful, such as active therapy/counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and/or medications or other alternatives (e.g. service dog) at once. (Dube,2018) Studies have taught us that adverse childhood experiences are more common in people than we would like to imagine. The effects of trauma may not subside on their own, and may pose a significant threat to a person’s life without them even knowing. When this trauma remains unhealed it may then affect the next generation, creating a cycle that is hard to stop. (Dube, 2018)

Dube, S. Rn (2018). The steps that can help adults heal from childhood trauma. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/the-steps-that-can-help-adults-heal-from-childhood-trauma-77152

Morin, A., Forman, J., & LCSW. (n.d.). The Effects of Childhood Trauma. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-effects-of-childhood-trauma-4147640

School Shootings

As we look at school shootings it has become so popular now that it’s sad. When parents send their children to school it’s suppose to be a safe space. No parent should ever have to know that their child was murdered at school. No teacher or student supposed to feel that dread and terror that takes over a person in an incident such as this. They are suppose to feel safe when they come to school.

After such an event happens how are those affected are supposed to deal with the trauma.  Although people are resilient and often bounce back after difficult times, these events nearly always interrupt our sense of order and safety. The impact often extends to individuals who live far outside of the affected area with no personal connections to the event. This is especially true when the event is human-caused with the intent of harming others. Even counsellors with advanced training can become overwhelmed by the intensity of these tragic events. The ACA provides some tips and resources for counsellors and their clients.

• Attend to self care. While it may seem counterintuitive to think about taking care of yourself first, you cannot be of service to others if you are unstable. Monitor all of your physical health needs - being sure to eat, sleep, exercise, and (if possible) maintain a normal daily routine.
• Pay attention to your emotional health. Remember that a wide range of feelings during these difficult times are common. Know that others are also experiencing emotional reactions and may need your time and patience to put their feelings and thoughts in order.
• Try to recognise when you or those around you may need extra support. It is not uncommon for individuals of all ages to experience stress reactions when exposed (even through media) to shootings or mass violence. Changes in eating and sleeping habits, energy level, and mood are important signs of distress. Watch for regressed behaviours, such as clinging in children and intense emotional reactions, such as anxiety or a strong need for retribution in adults. When necessary, point individuals to licensed professional counsellors who can provide needed support.
• Avoid overexposure to media. While it is important to stay informed, media portrayals of shootings and mass deaths have been shown to cause acute stress and post traumatic stress symptoms. Limit your exposure and take a break from news sources.
• Maintain contact with friends and family. These individuals can provide you with emotional support to help deal with difficult times.
• Focus on your strength base. Maintain practices that you have found to provide emotional relief. Remind yourself of people and events which are meaningful and comforting.
• Talk to others as needed. It is important to ask for help if you are having trouble recovering and everyday tasks seem difficult to manage.

Program Trains Teachers, Students to Deal with School Shootings

Bibliography

Dailey, S. (n.d.). Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/coping-in-the-aftermath-of-a-shooting

VOA. (2018, January 06). Program Trains Teachers, Students to Deal with School Shootings. Retrieved from https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/school-shooting-simulation/4192418.html

Do “safe spaces” help or harm?

            I recently read a couple of articles about the superhero production company Marvel offering grief counseling for fans, who watched their recent film Avengers: Infinity War. My first reaction when seeing the title of the article, “Marvel Offers Greif Counseling at Comic-Con for Fans Traumatized by the End of Infinity War” (Lussier, 2018) was “annoyed.” Come to find out, it was more of a joke and Marvel used it as a way to promote the movie being released on DVD and digital formats. Fans can line up at a booth next to Petco Park in San Diego, put on a name tag, and enter an air-conditioned room where an actor who is there to talk with the group about their best memories from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. You get a donut, you watch a deleted scene from the Infinity War Blu-ray and then you get a t-shirt on the way out (Lussier, 2018). The article also mentioned that fans can visit a “group hug” prop of The Hulk. I did think this was a funny way and smart advertisement idea to pair with an ending of a very popular movie that ended a certain way fans may have not anticipated. To me, it was also an attempt at mocking this new age of “safe spaces.” All of this made me think of where do we draw the line when dealing with trauma and stress?

            Presently, we see schools and colleges offering “safe spaces” to their students and staff. This gives them a way to feel safe while expressing their views. I completely agree these areas should be held for people dealing with serious trauma such as school shootings, sexual assault, drugs, and alcohol abuse. Though, I believe it’s getting ridiculous. Schools are offering safe spaces for people, who didn’t like the way the election turned out, and an unfavorable social media post, etc. I feel we’re causing more harm than good. Blocking students from exposure to things they dislike and don’t agree with can hinder them from growing. According to political advisor Van Jones (2017) “One is a very good idea, and one is a terrible idea.” The good idea, he said, is “being physically safe on campus, not being subjected to sexual harassment and physical abuse.” “But there is another view that is now ascendant … It’s a horrible view, which is that ‘I need to be safe ideologically, I need to be safe emotionally, I just need to feel good all the time. And if someone else says something that I don’t like, that is a problem for everyone else; including the administration…You can’t live on a campus where people say stuff that you don’t like? You are creating a kind if liberalism that the minute it crosses the street into the real world is not just useless but obnoxious and dangerous. I want you to be offended every single day on this campus. I want you to be deeply aggrieved and offended and upset and then to learn how to speak back (Rose, Huffpost). Students are soon going to be entering the workforce and have co-workers and/or bosses they may dislike. The student may not be prepared with the certain life skills needed to deal with negativity and disappointment. The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves… people can never get better without knowing what they know and feeling what they feel (Van Der Kolk, 2014). To me, letting people deal with things they don’t like can help them grow and become stronger. It's time to become an adult and stop complaining about every little thing! Be grateful for what you have and the opportunities the world gives you.    Thanks- Kyle

Lussier, G. (2018). Io9. Marvel Offers Grief Counseling at Comic-Con for Fans Traumatized by the End of Infinity War. Retrieved August 11, 2018 from  https://io9.gizmodo.com/marvel-offers-grief-counseling-at-comic-con-for-fans-tr-1827781404

Rose, F. (2017). Huffington Post, Safe Spaces on College Campuses Are Creating Intolerant Students. Retrieved August 10, 2018 from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/safe-spaces-college-intolerant_us_58d957a6e4b02a2eaab66ccf

Van Der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books. New York, NY.