Understanding and Responding to Challenging Behaviour
Increasing Inclusion / Tackling the NEETs Problem / Hard to Reach Groups
Rehabilitating Military Veteran Offenders
Leadership and CPD Training
A New Partnership - Reducing Re-offending by Veteran Offenders
Patron - Lt Gen Sir Robert Fulton KBE
Increasing numbers of military veterans are entering the justice system (prison and probation), currently estimated to be over 10,000, representing the largest single occupational group.
The Veterans Change Partnership is planning to offer specialised programmes of rehabilitation, training, support and preventative work for military veteran offenders. With each partner providing a blend of specialist knowledge, skills and provision, the programme will enable a reduction in recidivism with access to employment.
E-Petition against Veterans in Prison
Please support it by signing and telling others; thank you.
Most veteran offenders take full responsibility for their offending. Notwithstanding, under the Military Covenant, surely they deserve more than prison?
'TRAINED TO KILL THEN HUNG OUT TO DRY': By R.C. CRAWFORD Middlesex University
This study takes an investigative psychological approach in examining the relationship between ex-military, crime and mental disorders and applying theories of identity. There has been no previous work in this specific area of ex-military crime and identity theories.
A Time for Society to Reflect
Having watched these videos, I can only ask that you reflect upon what so many of our Veterans and their families have endured on our behalf, and ask how, when recognising the Military Covenant, we can continue to fail them in this way?
They surely deserve more than simply locking them up in prison!
Please help us to raise awareness and promote the debate by writing to your MP. Only with public support can we help to improve the situation and make the difference!
After the last video you will see an outline of our proposals. With your support, we are confident that we can indeed make a difference. If you have any questions, please do email us - contact >.
A new umbrella group that has been set up with the aim of co- ordinating the action of Veterans Charities and applying pressure on the Government to fully implement the Military Covenant.
Veterans in Prison
AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRISON AND PROBATION FOR MILTARY VETERAN OFFENDERS
Patron – Lt Gen Sir Robert Fulton KCB
In 2000, the Military Covenant said –
“Soldiers will be called upon to make personal sacrifices – including the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ in the service of the Nation. In return, British soldiers must always be able to expect fair treatment, to be valued and respected as individuals, and that they (and their families) will be sustained and rewarded by commensurate terms and conditions of service.”
Today’s Covenant clearly acknowledges that the State has a ‘duty of care’ to members of its Armed Forces.
“When I left the Army in 2004 I had been diagnosed as suffering with depression. I left the main gate of my Regiment with my TV in one hand and my kit bag in the other, not knowing where I was going or what to do” – a former Army soldier now serving 7 years in prison.
Although support for military veterans is improving, regrettably an increasing number are entering the justice system. Official estimates of numbers in prison vary between 3.5% to 9%, with individual prisons reporting 14%. The MoJ and MoD suggests 5,800 are on probation and community orders; however, NAPO suggests as many as 12,500. Whichever figs are accurate, former military veterans represent the largest occupational group within our justice system; this surely indicates that something is wrong and that the Covenant has more to achieve.
A recent report by the Howard League for Penal Reform, entitled ‘Leaving Forces Life’ concluded that, despite there being a great deal more help available via service charities, individuals are still falling through the net and ending up in the Justice System, often years after discharge. Issues stemming from post-service dysfunction, mental illness, poverty, addictions and marital breakdown are all contributing. None can be seen as being addressed within the ‘spirit’ of the Military Covenant.
An alternative to custody and probation for military veteran offenders is urgently needed. To that end, a new and innovative project is currently being developed. Entitled ‘The Veterans Change Partnership’, it involves four Voluntary and Community organisations delivering intensive and purposeful residential programmes of rehabilitation, personal development, skills training and ongoing mentor support into accommodation, further training and work.
Based upon the model of a former Devon charity called C-FAR that once helped young adult male prolific offenders stop re-offending, the project has been welcomed by the Minister for Prisons, Rt Hon Crispin Blunt MP and efforts are now being made to identify the necessary funding. The organisations involved include –
‘Alabare’ Christian Care and Support’, ‘Exeter City YMCA’, ‘The Langley House Trust’ and ‘Life Change UK’.
All have a depth of experience in helping those with complex needs and who present a high risk of re-offending.
Through various LA contracts, Alabare’ provides a wide range of accommodation and support into work for homeless people in the South West, with specialist delivery for military veterans in Plymouth, Bristol and Weymouth; plans are also being developed to include Portsmouth.
The YMCA Delivers the accredited ‘Perspectives’ Course – ‘Doing Life Differently’ to prisoners in three Devon prisons + successful ‘Job Search’ Courses. The author, David Devenney served in the Royal Marines and subsequently as a Royal Navy Chaplain. He is a qualified Counsellor, NLP Practitioner and former member of the RM TRiM, post operational tour Trauma Risk Management Team.
Through contracts with NOMS and LAs, the Trust provides extensive accommodation and support into work for offenders nationally and has a depth of experience in working with people who present a high risk of re-offending, including those with complex needs.
Previously ran residential programmes of rehabilitation for young adult male offenders – C-FAR. Now delivering training to staff working with hard to reach groups. The Director of Development, Trevor Philpott, is a former Royal Marine officer and was a member of Centre for Social Justice Prison Reform Group. The Director of Training, Theresa Owens, is a highly qualified Counsellor, Life Coach and Master NLP Practitioner who also leads the provision of alcohol and drug rehabilitation in a residential centre in North Devon.
Outline of Programme – Three Phases: -
Phase 1
Individual offender risk assessment and motivational interview
Phase 2
With NOMS staff and individual offenders, produce personalised Offender Management Plans
With offenders working in a team, deliver of 3 x month residential courses of personal development, social, academic and life skills training – addressing Lifestyle issues & Emotional & Physical Well-being and preparations for and access to employment
Staff to include former military personnel, trained to work with the offenders
Each House to run 4 x 3 month courses per annum, each of up to 12 veteran offenders
Year 1 – 5 houses = 5 x 12 x 4 = 240 offenders pa
Years 2 & 3 – building to 20 houses = 20 x 12 x 4 = 960 offenders pa
Phase 3
Minimum of 9-months Mentor support into accommodation, work / training
Volunteer Mentors to be former military personnel, trained to work with the offenders
Expansion of delivery
With the exception of London, the partnership has the capacity to deliver the programme throughout England. As such it can be utilised within a Reducing Recidivism, Payment by Results programme and or an Entry to Work Programme aimed at Lower Tariff Offenders leaving Prison.
Cost - £12,000 per trainee for a 12 month programme
Cost of Conviction and Prison - £126,500 per offender per annum (Home Office 2010)
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