141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

289681
Relationship between service models and outcomes for criminal justice involved veterans and active duty military personnel

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 : 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM

Laura Elwyn, PhD , Research and Evaluation Center, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., Albany, NY
Kristin Stainbrook, PhD , Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., Albany, NY
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.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice

Learning Objectives:
Describe service models used in Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery programs Name treatments and supports that result in positive outcomes for veterans with histories of trauma exposure Identify characteristics associated with response to treatment for participants of jail diversion programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the senior analyst on the national evaluation of the SAMHSA funded Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery - Priority to Veterans program. My scientific interests include the effects of trauma exposure on adult behavioral health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.