Relationship between service models and outcomes for criminal justice involved veterans and active duty military personnel

Many veterans and active members of the US military face a variety of mental health challenges including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse. Often these problems are not identified and remain untreated and, for some individuals, may lead to involvement in the criminal justice system. In 2008 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funded the Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery (JDTR) – Priority to Veterans program to support 13 states in the implementation of jail diversion programs for persons with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders involved in the criminal justice system. SAMHSA also funded a national cross-site evaluation that to date has collected data from over 900 participants including baseline and follow up interviews, as well as secondary data on treatment services and arrests. Program models in the different states encompass combinations of services that can include trauma-specific interventions, other evidence-based mental health practices, a variety of peer support programs, and other recovery services. Preliminary analyses have found an overall positive response to the programs including a decrease in PTSD and other mental health problems. In this paper we will present findings on participant response to the services and supports received through program models. Using multivariate statistical techniques including generalized linear modeling and recursive partitioning, we will also examine the role of population and client-level characteristics that enhance positive outcomes, so as to shed light on effective service provision for diverse groups of veterans and active duty members of the US armed forces.