VETERANS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

That this House is concerned at the number of former armed service personnel in prison or under the supervision of the Probation Service on community service or parole; notes that of the estimated 20,000 veterans that leave the structured environment of the armed forces to return to civilian life each year, many experience profound difficulties such as depression, homelessness and reliance on alcohol, with a smaller number suffering symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder; is concerned that appropriate counselling, health and welfare support is not reaching many of these ex-soldiers; and therefore calls on the Government to work with the trade unions representing staff in the justice sector and the armed services voluntary sector to implement a co-ordinated national strategy to ensure that counselling and advice facilities are available during and immediately after service to minimise the chances of individuals entering the criminal justice system, and that help and advice is available for those who do enter the criminal justice system to avoid reoffending.