A different type of courage: courage to trust the VA and the Judicial system.

Once an accomplished soldier, Wagner was now homeless and struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol. She had broken relationships, lost the trust of close family members, and felt utterly alone.

"When Jeff Glover, a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist, visited me in jail and told me about the VA’s Veterans Justice Outreach Program, I didn’t know if I could do it," Wagner recalled. "I knew this could be my chance to heal. I needed to suck it up!"

The first step for Wagner, like with most healing journeys, was acknowledging that she needed help. Though she had the desire to improve, she wasn’t sure if she could make it through the rigorous program. Nevertheless, she realized that she had to make a change, and this might be her only opportunity.

Adjusting to civilian life after military service while managing mental health and substance use issues can be especially challenging for Veterans, particularly those who have served in combat zones, experienced injuries or emotional trauma. Veterans who do not manage these conditions effectively may face increased risks of homelessness, violent behaviors, and involvement with the justice system. Justice-involved Veterans have a higher prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse, and alcoholism.

The mission of the Veterans Justice Outreach Program is to identify justice-involved Veterans and facilitate access to VA services as early as possible. This program builds and maintains partnerships between the VA and key elements of the criminal justice system, aiming to provide treatment services as alternatives to incarceration. 

VJP Social Workers serve as liaison between VHSO and local Veterans Treatment Courts.  The Veterans Justice Outreach Program is focused on improving Veterans access to VA healthcare, ending Veterans cyclical involvement in the criminal justice system, preventing and/or solving justice-involved Veteran homelessness and improving the clinical outcomes for justice-involved Veterans.

 "It took time for Veteran’s lives to spiral, and it’s going to take more time for them to heal," said Jeff Glover, an LCSW at Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks.

Glover explained that the Veterans Justice Outreach Program assesses each Veteran’s mental health care needs and identifies appropriate VA and non-VA services. Following evaluation, Veterans receive the necessary mental health, medical, and/or treatment services.

It took a little over a year, with a few setbacks and redoes, but Wagner committed herself to the hard work. She utilized various VA services, including Mental Health, the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), Chaplain Services, HUD/VASH, and many local community services for herself and her spouse.

On her graduation day from the program, Wagner stood beside her husband while beaming with pride and newfound hope. Wagner could hardly contain her excitement. The judge shook Wagner’s hand and expressed her pride in Wagner's achievements. 

"I’ve seen the positive impact of this program," said Judge Cristi Beaumont, during Washington County Veterans Treatment Court. "I’ve witnessed firsthand how Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks provides a safe place for Veterans to recover and a path for them to thrive."

After graduating from the Veterans Justice Outreach Program, Wagner moved to another state to reunite with her family, continue her spiritual journey, and continue to thrive.

As Wagner left the courtroom, she said, "I’m going to continue working the program! Why stop what works?"

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