Jailed Veterans Given Another Go With Second Chance Program

September 2, 2010 - Congressman Sestak (PA-07) has thrown generous support behind a newly developed Department of Labor (DOL) initiative, the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program (IVTP). The IVTP will be governed by the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center (PVMSEC). The program is designed to function as either a sentencing alternative and as a second chance for those veterans already locked up, as needed. It is hoped the program will ultimately help curb homelessness among veterans.

Many veterans returning from combat are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Often these veterans are not properly diagnosed or treated and their service-related injuries result issues that lead to trouble with the law. Being locked in prison will not help these veterans deal with their injuries as a result of their service to this country. The result is an inordinate amount of veterans coming out of incarceration and ending up homeless.

There is no reason federal level prisoner doctors cannot communicate with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors in keeping the best interests of the veterans in the forefront. Veterans make up about 10% of the 2.2 million people in the existing prison population. This number is one of the driving forces in Congressman Sestak's push to change how veterans injured in defense of this country are treated when those injuries play a significant role in their criminal acts.

Treating veterans is the better alternative to locking them up. Not only will early diagnosis help the veteran cope with their condition, it will help the veterans and their families lead more fulfilling lives.