Characteristics, needs, and experiences of U.S. veterans on a specialized prison unit

The Veterans Service Unit (VSU) in Connecticut is one of several all-veterans prison units that are being created throughout the United States. This study examined the characteristics, needs, and experiences of veterans on the Connecticut VSU. This study utilized data from a quality improvement survey that was completed by 87 of the 110 veterans on the Connecticut VSU (79% response rate). The majority of veterans on the VSU were white, aged 41-56, never married, and had an honorable or general military discharge making them potentially eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare upon release. The most common psychiatric diagnoses reported by veterans were substance use disorders and 29% reported posttraumatic stress disorder. Veterans on the unit reported a variety of needs related to legal, housing, basic needs, health, income, and community re-entry. The majority of veterans reported positive experiences on the VSU with 61% reporting the VSU was better than other units they have been on. Together, these findings illustrate how regional partnerships between state Departments of Corrections and VA medical centers may benefit veterans. More rigorous evaluation of the VSU model is needed to inform innovations to address the needs of incarcerated veterans and prepare them for successful community reintegration.