The goal of the Veterans Justice Outreach Program is to avoid unnecessary criminalization of mental illness and extended incarceration among veterans. This outreach initiative involves collaboration among VA Medical Center staff, local law enforcement, and treatment services to provide for the needs of veterans, helping them to avoid subsequent arrests.
Veterans' Justice Outreach specialists (VJOs) are responsible for direct outreach, assessment, and case management for justice-involved veterans in local courts and jails. VJOs link eligible Veterans to appropriate services provided through the Veterans Health Administration. VJOs also coordinate with judicial and law enforcement partners and educate them on veterans' issues.
The Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator for Rhode Island is Rich Flynn.