Veterans' use of programs and services as they transition to civilian life: Baseline assessment for the veteran metrics initiative
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Perkins, D. F., Aronson, K. R., Morgan, N. R., Bleser, J. A., Vogt, D., Copeland, L. A., … Gilman, C. (2020). Veterans’ use of programs and services as they transition to civilian life: Baseline assessment for the veteran metrics initiative. Journal of Social Service Research, 46(2), 241-255. https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2018.1546259
Abstract Created by REACH:
Some veterans experience difficulties in the transition to civilian life. As a result, many programs have been established by various organizations to assist veterans across four primary domains: 1) employment/education, 2) social and intimate relationships, 3) financial and legal matters, and 4) physical and/or mental health. However, there is limited information regarding the types of programs used by veterans, particularly within the months following military separation. The purpose of this study was to assess the types of programs that veterans are using (N = 9,566) within the first 90 days of their transition to civilian life and to describe the components of these programs that veterans find helpful as a means to inform policy work and intervention. "Programs" was defined broadly to include those offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as those offered by community, government, private, or faithbased organizations. Results indicate that programs targeting employment and education are those most used by veterans.
Focus:
Deployment
Mental health
Physical health
Programming
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Guard
Reserve
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Methodology:
Cross-Sectional Study
Quantitative Study
Primary Analysis
Authors:
Perkins, Daniel F., Aronson, Keith R., Morgan, Nicole R., Bleser, Julia A., Vogt, Dawne, Copeland, Laurel A., Finley, Erin P., Gilman, Cynthia
Abstract:
A substantial minority of veterans struggle as they reintegrate into civilian life, reporting problems with vocational attainment, legal/financial/housing challenges, physical and mental health conditions, and social/interpersonal issues. While there are thousands of programs and services offered to veterans, little is known about which ones they use. In the current exploratory study, veterans separated from active duty in the prior three-months (48,965) were invited to complete a survey. Two primary questions were addressed: What programs/services did veterans use to assist in their reintegration to civilian life? What specific components/attributes of those programs did veterans report using? A total of 9566 veterans completed the survey. Approximately, two-thirds of veterans used at least one program to enhance their well-being, while one-third reported using multiple programs across multiple domains. Veterans primarily sought assistance for employment and educational advancement. Fewer veterans sought assistance for legal/financial/housing, health, and social functioning challenges. Social service providers and policy makers should be aware of the resources veterans use as they reintegrate into civilian life. Future research should examine factors that predict the use and nonuse of veteran reintegration programs, how use changes over time, and what factors predict program/service use, particularly among veterans at risk for poor transition outcomes.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Taylor & Francis
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, Pennsylvania State University, DFP
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, Pennsylvania State University, KRA
University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, NRM
University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, JAB
Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, DV
University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, LAC
South Texas Veterans Health Care System, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, EPF
Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, CG
Keywords:
veterans, veterans administration, support programs, well-being, veteran reintegration, program/service utilization
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: