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NJDOC Launches Reentry Program for Incarcerated Veterans
New initiative aims to reduce recidivism by providing continuous care, benefits access, and housing support for justice-involved veterans
EWING, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) formally launched a new reentry initiative on January 28 designed to support incarcerated veterans as they transition back into civilian life. During a ceremonial signing held in Ewing, NJDOC announced a strategic partnership with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) and Education and Health Centers of America (EHCA) to provide coordinated reentry services beginning during incarceration and continuing after release.
The initiative introduces a veteran-specific "continuum of care" model intended to reduce barriers to employment, housing, and healthcare for individuals who have served in the armed forces and are currently or formerly incarcerated. The model includes a wraparound framework of services that extends from correctional facilities into the community, aiming to streamline access to support systems and mitigate the risk of recidivism.
“This initiative honors our commitment to those who have served by ensuring they receive the community services necessary to reenter civilian life,” said Acting Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “By partnering with NJRC and EHCA, we are providing veterans with a specialized pathway to success—combining legal advocacy, healthcare, and career support to break the cycle of recidivism and strengthen public safety.”
Key components of the program include:
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Immediate verification of veteran status, allowing participants to be quickly enrolled in state and federal benefits programs;
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Integrated medical, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment, coordinated across custody and community settings;
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Individualized case management to ensure continuity of care;
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Legal assistance to help veterans overcome employment-related obstacles such as expungement or restoration of driving privileges;
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Direct housing referrals, providing justice-involved veterans with a stable foundation upon release.
“Our commitment to supporting Garden State Veterans does not end at the courthouse steps,” said Vincent Solomeno, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs. “Working together, we can ensure that veterans reenter their communities with a clear path to accessing benefits, programs, and services. Through deliberate and coordinated action, we are collectively working to reduce recidivism and support rehabilitation.”
This reentry initiative is designed to respond to the specific needs of veteran populations, who often face unique challenges reintegrating into society after incarceration, including mental health issues, service-related trauma, and disrupted access to benefits.
The NJDOC’s collaboration with NJRC and EHCA represents a proactive, multi-agency approach to reintegration—one that aligns with broader state and federal efforts to support veteran populations and improve public safety through targeted reentry services.
