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Another investigation published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found a similar percentage of its sample of inmates reporting a history of trauma, 96 percent. Additionally, 67 percent of this sample reported committing a violent act in the past year. Researchers found that individuals with a trauma history were twice as likely as those without to have been violent in the previous year (Neller, et al., 2006). Addressing the impact of trauma in the lives of offenders will move them closer to recovery and improve public safety. Over the past decade, leaders in mental health have become increasingly aware of the high prevalence and long-term impact of trauma, especially repeated traumas. Researchers have found that 51-98 percent of all individuals with severe mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders have a history of trauma. Moreover, it has been found that the impacts of trauma are cumulative over time and if left unaddressed lead to health problems including heart disease, cancer and liver disease, as well as social problems such as homelessness, prostitution, joblessness and criminal behavior (Center for Mental Health Services, 2007). During the same period of time, emerging best practices and evidence-based interventions have been developed to assist individuals in overcoming personal issues related to past trauma (National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, 2004). These interventions and clinical perspectives hold great promise in helping meet the recovery goals of jail inmates with mental health or chemical dependency needs.
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As this evidence suggests, trauma is a major factor exacerbating the difficulties and needs in the lives of jail inmates. Trauma impacts all areas of need identified by this population and therefore must be central to a plan for improving reintegration outcomes. A trauma-informed service system would be “one in which all components of the service system have been reconsidered and evaluated in the light of a basic understanding of the role that violence plays in the lives of people seeking mental health and addiction services” (National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, 2004, p15).
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Appendix F: Community Services Division Offender Reentry Programs Veterans Incarcerated Program The Veterans Incarcerated Program (VIP) reduces veteran’s use of King County and suburban jails by seeking veterans out in jail and advocating on behalf of incarcerated veterans. The project provides support services to overcome circumstances that may lead to misdemeanor activities, such as unemployment, homelessness, and/or substance abuse. VIP staff can advocate for reduced sentencing and early release. The King County Veteran’s Program (KCVP) contracts with the Washington State Veterans Administration (WDVA) for these services providing intake, assessments, advocacy and case management to veterans in jail. Three outcomes are measured for this project: 1) the number of veterans achieving early jail release; 2) the jail days saved due to veteran’s early release; and 3) the number of released veterans that do not recidivate. Veteran’s Levy funding allowed access to VIP services to 332 veterans in municipal jails since 2007. Over 18,000 jail days were saved through the work of this program and over 87 percent of clients achieving early release did not recidivate within one year. Work Training Program
