A Needs Assessment of Veterans in Custody, their Families & Children

This report is a needs of assessment of veterans in custody, their families and children. This research project was led by Barnardo’s NICCO and funded by Forces in Mind Trust. After undertaking in-depth qualitative research with veterans in custody, their partners, children and professionals working in this area, this report provides an insight into the needs and experiences of the families of veterans in custody. Amongst other key findings, our analysis revealed high levels of family breakdown and, much like the transition from military to civilian life, the greatest challenge for veterans and families occurring when the veteran leaves custody and returns to the community. Based on these findings the report makes several recommendations for service and practice developments, including: the development of peer support services for veterans and their families, consistent and funded veteran support services across all prison estates and one agency taking responsibility for coordinating support for children of offenders before, during and after their parent is in custody