They fought for our independence.
Now we're fighting for theirs.

ABOUT

With a goal of confronting deeply rooted mental health and substance abuse challenges within the Veteran community, the Veterans Justice Initiative (VJI) was founded to bridge the gap between first responders, justice systems, and the Veterans they serve. VJI delivers a comprehensive, three-pillar approach that includes Veterans Crisis Intervention Training, individualized casework assistance, and support for communities seeking to establish or strengthen Veterans Treatment Courts. Through this holistic model, VJI works to ensure Veterans receive the resources, advocacy, and support they need at every point of contact, reducing recidivism and fostering long-term stability.

6,574

First responders and community partners trained.

Learn how to avoid the unnecessary criminalization of mental illness, substance abuse, and incarceration of Veterans.

Learn the Foundation

33%

of Veterans who experienced homelessness

Cases served by VJI to date:

66%

of Veterans who dealt with addiction

*All military branches represented

Stay Informed

66%

of Veterans who faced
mental illness

346

Cases represented

HOLISTIC APPROACH

The Veterans Justice Initiative’s approach is holistic, beginning with a Veteran's initial contact through any necessary legal processes. Importantly, the program establishes a strong aftercare plan through an extensive network of resources and partner organizations to help Veterans find healing and hope beyond their crisis.

EARLY INTERVENTION

The Veterans Justice Initiative assists law enforcement agencies, first responders, and frontline workers to understand the nuances and true scope of Veterans' mental health obstacles once they return home from service. Early intervention and casework is crucial to Veteran mental wholeness.

The Veterans Justice Initiative assists law enforcement agencies, first responders, and frontline workers to understand the nuances and true scope of Veterans’ mental health obstacles once they return home from service. Early intervention and casework is crucial to Veteran mental wholeness.

VJI has developed a robust, alternative way to approach veterans in crisis from initial contact with:

911 Operators

First Responders

Law Enforcement

Navigating Veterans through alternative routes, such as Veteran treatment courts, will allow the system to focus on individual circumstances, substance abuse, and Veteran preference.

VJI ACHIEVES ITS GOALS BY:

  • Identifying alternative systems, such as Veteran Treatment Courts and specialists at the Department of Veterans Affairs, to assess Veterans’ treatment needs, identify appropriate treatment services, and liaise with the court on Veterans’ progress.

  • Identifying and securing proper aftercare protocol to prevent recurrence.

  • Identifying and coordinating effective legal assistance for the Veteran.

  • Coordinating roundtable discussions and training within local communities regarding effective ways to respond to Veterans found in the criminal justice system.

  • Identifying and establishing local response systems that bring community assets to intervene on behalf of the Veteran in the criminal justice system.