V.I.P. is a "fast track" effort to help Veterans recently released from, or currently incarcerated within the King County Correctional Facility system. A full array of on-site and referral sources are available including services for family members.

Services Available
Upon the incarcerated veteran's release, the V.I.P. might provide transitional housing for up to 30 days, possibly longer if needed. This arrangement usually provides one meal each day, and, in most cases an immediate address for release.

Also, the V.I.P. will provide referrals for low cost or no cost medical, dental, vision, and mental health treatments. If the Veteran needs clothing, the V.I.P. will refer the Veteran to appropriate sources of free or low cost clothing.

The V.I.P. will assist the Veteran with registration for the VA Addictions Treatment Program, which might be required by the Court. Also, the V.I.P. will refer the Veteran for a no cost Post Traumatic Stress Disorder screening and evaluation. The V.I.P. will help the Veteran register with King County Veterans' Program employment counselors and the job referral program.

How to Apply for Program
If possible, about 14 to 90 days before the Veteran's expected released date, the incarcerated Veteran should notify the V.I.P. of their interest in being considered for the program. Veterans serving a very short sentence should contact the V.I.P. as soon as possible. The best way to notify the V.I.P. is by sending a white kite to the V.I.P. office. The white kite should include full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and a request for contact with the V.I.P. representative for consideration in the V.I.P. The incarceration facility will forward the kite to the V.I.P representative. The incarcerated veteran can expect to hear back from the V.I.P. within ten business days. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, collect calls will not be accepted.

V.I.P. Success
V.I.P. has grown significantly since it was implemented in 1996 by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and King County Veteran's Program. For example, 8 beds are rented and maintained for use by ex-offenders at the Compass Center. The VAMC has been assisting with treatment and research studies to better understand how to assist veterans. Several other counties in the state are implementing their own jail projects, which are fashioned after this model.

For more information about the Veterans' Incarcerated Program contact Garry Hodgson, Washington State Veterans' Incarcerated Program, at GarryH@dva.wa.gov or at 206-296-7564.

For more information about King County Veterans Program contact: