Military veterans wellness program: Performance measurement framework

Area of Science:

• Law Enforcement Training
• Veteran Support Services
• Public Health Initiatives

Background:

• Veterans face unique challenges transitioning to civilian life, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and housing instability.
• These challenges increase the risk of negative interactions with law enforcement.
• Existing support systems often have barriers to access for veterans in crisis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Military Veterans Wellness Program, designed to enhance law enforcement's understanding of veterans.
• To provide de-escalation training for officers interacting with veterans.
• To establish a streamlined referral process connecting veterans with national support services.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel program in collaboration with the Toronto Police Service and various stakeholders.
• Creation of a comprehensive performance measurement framework, including a strategic framework, logic model, and key performance indicators.
• Implementation of de-escalation training and a referral system for law enforcement officers.

Main Results:

• The program aims to improve the well-being of veterans in crisis.
• A performance measurement framework was established for program management and evaluation.
• Preliminary results, achievements, and future steps are discussed, indicating program development and potential effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The Military Veterans Wellness Program represents a proactive approach to supporting veterans.
• Effective collaboration between law enforcement and support services is crucial for veteran well-being.
• The program's performance measurement framework facilitates ongoing assessment and improvement.