Successful Transitions and Reintegration Tools for Veterans (START-VETS)

Development of a Psycho-social Transition Program and Transition Assessment Tools for Veterans With Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorders Leaving Prison

This study will develop prison reentry materials for Veterans leaving prison.

This study will be conducted in three phases Phase 1 is to collect qualitative data from Veterans who have recently been released from prison. The data will focus on their transition experience, stigma (both self and from others), and behaviors that interfered with success.

Phase 2a will be to develop a transition program based around the needs identified in phase 1 Phase 2b will be to develop assessment tools to be used with the program Phase 3 will be to perform a two group randomized cross over design pilot study to assess the program

Inclusion Criteria:

• Veteran with mental illness and/or substance use disorder released from prison within the past 36 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• psychosis or cognitive impairment precluding active participation