Red, White, and Blue Behind Bars: The Growth of Veterans Pods

• In Event: Rehabilitation, Reentry Challenges, and Community-Based Programs

Abstract

Many United States military veterans struggle after separating from service with a variety of psychological and substance use issues, leading to a significant population of justice-involved veterans (JIVs) in jails and prisons. Justice for Vets (2023) estimates that there are over 180,000 veterans currently incarcerated in America. With the advent of veterans’ treatment courts and specific resources for JIVs, there are increasing policy efforts and programs designed to address incarcerated veterans’ needs and their successful re-entry into the community. One model gaining traction in correctional facilities is the veterans’ service unit, sometime called a veteran pod. These pods are dedicated dormitories that house only those who have prior military service, offering specific resources, services, and community for JIVs. This study synthesizes emerging data and research on the expansion of veteran pods in Texas jails and prisons. Findings show that these programs are inclusive of various military discharge types, supportive of co-occurring disorders, and helpful to JIVs during the re-entry process. Local and state correctional facilities should seek to create or enhance veterans' pods in order to support former service member desistence.

Author

• Laura McCarty, Sam Houston State University