Navigating Justice: Donna Harrison on Supporting Veterans in the Criminal Justice System
Manage episode 430158644 series 3457564
What unique challenges do justice-involved veterans face when navigating the criminal justice system? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Donna Harrison, the Director of Housing and Criminal Justice for the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, as she unpacks the complex journey that veterans experience from pretrial to post-conviction and incarceration. Donna shares her insights on the pivotal role veteran treatment courts play and the significant outreach efforts being made to identify and support veterans entangled in the legal system.
We also explore the pressing need to expand veteran treatment court dockets, especially in smaller counties where such resources are limited. The episode delves into the importance of educating judicial personnel on veteran identification and discusses potential legislative solutions to enhance this process. Discover how early intervention and the dedication of veteran justice specialists are crucial in providing comprehensive support to veterans, particularly those grappling with substance abuse or mental health issues due to their service.
The discussion shifts to the critical resources available for incarcerated veterans, with a strong focus on housing and connecting them to VA benefits. Donna highlights the unique barriers justice-involved veterans face in securing housing and the ongoing efforts to provide trauma-informed care. Special attention is given to the distinct needs of female veterans and the importance of collaborative support systems. As we conclude, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Donna for her invaluable insights and remind our listeners of the significant impact they can have by advocating for justice-involved veterans. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference. For more information, call 804-801-2520 or send an email to justice.vvfs@dvs.virginia.gov. You can download their brochure as a PDF here.
Capítulos
1. Supporting Justice-Involved Veterans (00:00:00)
2. Expanding Veteran Treatment Court Dockets (00:11:12)
3. Resources for Incarcerated Veteran Support (00:16:48)
4. Gratitude for Donna's Interview (00:24:16)
75 episódios