News
Supporting Veterans in the Justice System: Good Practice
I recently launched my Veterans and the Law report, which examines the support in place for the small number of veterans in contact with the criminal justice system, as well as considering the contribution of veterans who work or volunteer within the system.
During my engagement, I encountered several initiatives and projects which stood out for their approach, impact and effectiveness, and I want to highlight some of the exemplary work being done to support veterans in Scotland.
South Lanarkshire Council’s Veteran Initiatives
South Lanarkshire Council is a commendable example of a Local Authority putting the Armed Forces Covenant into effect across their policies, guidance, and practice.
Its 2024-2027 Covenant Strategy clearly articulates its commitments to improving support for the local veteran community through effective policies and community resources.
In line with this, Justice Social Work Services have developed ‘A Vision for the Future’, a framework to better serve veterans involved with the justice system. The strategy is grounded in understanding veterans’ unique challenges, and South Lanarkshire Council is identifying veteran representatives within their staff to ensure this vision remains dynamic and responsive. This structured approach helps improve staff awareness and provides veterans with targeted resources and support.
Sacro’s Veterans Mentoring Service (VMS)
Sacro’s Veterans Mentoring Service (VMS) is dedicated to supporting veterans who are in, or at risk of entering, the justice system. The program accepts referrals from veterans themselves, as well as other veterans’ charities and statutory partners.
VMS is an excellent example of the importance of providing veteran-specific support that addresses veteran-specific issues, with specialist insight enabling mentors to effectively address mental ill health and associated secondary issues, such as addiction, anger management and isolation.
VMS mentors provide support through Sacro, or help veterans link up with other organisations offering appropriate support. They also help veterans address practical challenges, such as securing housing and accessing benefits and pensions. In situations where there are unresolved legal matters, mentors provide critical support, including accompanying veterans to court to offer guidance.
Through Sacro’s comprehensive approach, veterans not only receive support with immediate needs but also benefit from longer-term mental health and social stability.
Inside Out Art Therapy Exhibition
The Inside Out art exhibition highlights the positive impact of creative expression for veterans in the prison system. Showcasing art works by self-tutored veteran prisoners from HMP Perth and HMP Castle Huntly, the exhibition followed the launch of an ‘Art As Therapy’ project at Perth prison in 2023.
A collaboration between the armed forces charity SSAFA and the Scottish Prison Service, the exhibition also gave visitors the opportunity to purchase the artworks raised by veterans, raising nearly £850 to help SSAFA support other veterans and their families across Scotland.
Most of the veterans had not picked up a paintbrush since their schooldays. With no access to the outside world, they had to rely on memory or imagination for ideas. Prisoners said painting helped them to combat the monotony of life behind bars and improved their mental health. Perth Prison Governor Andy Hodge said selling their work for charity had helped veteran prisoners prove they can still be of service to society.
Police Scotland’s Supportive Recruitment Process
One of the key observations from my report was Police Scotland’s exemplary process of recruiting veterans.
Veterans are supported from the initial stages of recruitment thanks to the Positive Action Team (PAT), which connects veterans with guidance and support as they navigate the process. On-line orientations specifically designed for Service leavers offer assistance with applications and the chance to hear insights from fellow veterans who have transitioned into policing roles.
Police Scotland’s willingness to adapt their recruitment timelines to align with veterans’ discharge dates shows their commitment to making this career transition as smooth as possible. For those Service leavers not living in Scotland, a condensed recruitment event can be offered when everything can take place over two days.
In addition to the recruitment stage, Police Scotland has processes in place to ensure veteran employees are supported to develop and progress throughout their careers and that their unique skills and experience are maximised.
Summary
All of the above initiatives meet veterans’ immediate needs and also lay the groundwork for long-term wellbeing and positive change. Not only are they transforming individual lives, but they are also setting a standard for broader veteran support across Scotland. Most importantly, if this support helps prevent and reduce reoffending, then all of our society benefits.
RSS
