Homeless Veterans Essay

AbstractHomelessness has always existed in the joined States, plainly only in recent years has the issue become a more than than(prenominal) familiar and nonice sufficient phenomenon. Homeless stage managers began to come to the attention of the populace at the like prison term. unseasoneds accounts chronicled the plight of veterans who had dish upd their country but were living (and dying) on the streets. The plane section of Veterans affairs estimates near 250,000 veterans atomic number 18 stateless on any devoted night. (2012, pg. 4) My interrogation go away examine how unsettledness is pushing our veterans and what interventions ar available to stateless veterans. presentationWhether it is fighttime or peacetime, the men and women who treat our country be intimate an unusual deportment style. Whether it is in the barracks or in the fields, soldiery personnel form plastered eitheriances and bonds, which are necessary because they must depend on one otherwise for survival. Once these veterans return home from the Gulf, Iraq or Afghanistan war or steady if they just decide to discharge honorably, they face a whole bracing set of problems. These problems can be as sm e very as reintegrating with their family, finding a job or finding a place to live. An current problem that our veterans learn to cope with is how to deal with chip issues such as strong-arm and psychological disabilities. Todays veterans find that he/she has more difficulty because they are not looked at in the way veterans were looked upon in the one-time(prenominal). Americas patriotism has changed. Men were drafted into the military with the promises for a best future because they served their country. The country got behind them because they were fighting a World War. save Vietnam was the turning point for our veterans and upon their return home, they became alliances problem. Many schoolboyish veterans who returned home were between 18 31 years ol d. Some were fleshlyly wounded and some were physically disabled. These veterans were sent home to our veterans hospitals for treatment.There were to a fault those who had cordial health issues and some helpwas given to them but not enough. Veterans were discharged much too quickly. Where were these veterans to go? Many tried to reintegrate into society by securing accommodate ( flatbed or room) and others tried to move underpin home with their families. However, numerous veterans faced considerable challenges as a entrust of their physical disabilities and PTSD (post- injurytic stress disorderliness). This ca apply many veterans to become homeless. First, society could not deal with veterans up close and personalised and second, another reason was because the war haunted many veterans every day (PTSD). Therefore, for some veterans, they would rather live on the streets because they actually felt safer. According to selective randomness from segment of Veterans persona l matters office of Inspector common, veterans who became homeless after military separation were younger, enlisted with get pay grades and were more in all probability to be diagnosed with intellectual disorders at the time of separation from active duty. (2012, pg. 4) Our veterans are our most significant resource.We (Americans) do not live in a closed world anymore and when disturb comes to our shores, it is our veterans we depend upon to defend us. Our military is voluntary at this time and society and our government should protect and preserve their lives because without the veterans who would we count on? The military that protects us are strong, salutary trained, intelligent men and women who are willing to sic their lives on the line for their country. And for that reason, they deserve our respect, our support and our fear. The companionable proceedinger plays a major role in helping the veterans to stay connected to family and their community. The brotherly la y downers role is to help the veteran and his family to access all resources that can be beneficial to the veterans recovery and a smoother re-entry back into his/her life. My enquiry will attempt to answer the spare-time activity questionsHow common is homelessness among veterans?What are the attempt of infection factors gender, age, race and ethnicity, disability and how does it impact accommodate placement? What interventions are provided to address veteran homelessness? Do pistillate veterans happen more isolated?Literature ReviewsComparison of Outcomes of Homeless Fe anthropoid and virile Veterans in TransitionalHousing Homelessness among fe mannish person veterans is of national concern but few studies energize been conducted on regards to how homelessness among fe potent veterans differs from virile veterans. The health direction of female veterans has become an important priority for the subdivision of Veterans Affairs (VA) as female veterans represent one of the fastest growing free radicals of new VA healthcare users. Studies have shown female veterans are less healthy and are in poorer cordial health compared to male veterans, which has been attributed to barriers for women in accessing VA health redevelopments and allegations that the VA is male-dominated and not enwrapped enough to the needs of women (MacGregor et al. 2011 Weiss 1995, pg. 705). Homelessness among female veterans is a central issue as the VA strives to end homelessness among all veterans. Although women constitute about 8% of sheltered homeless veteran population, that number is expected to add and women veterans have been build to be at high risk of cosmos homeless than their male counterparts (U. S. Department of Housing and urban nurture & U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2009, pg. 705). The literature on homeless female veterans is tiny with only two previous studies set in a comprehensive review.One study concluded that risk of homelessness is two to four times greater for women veterans (Gamache et al. 2003, pg. 706), and the other study set in motion that compared to homeless male veterans, homeless female veterans are younger, less credibly to be employed, more likely to have a major mental illness, but less likely to have a substance hollo use disorder (Leda et al. 1992, pg. 706). A small case-control study withal instal that inner assault during military service, being unemployed, being disabled and having physical and mental health were risk factors for homelessness among female veterans (Washington et al. 2010, pg. 706). In the current study, the data used came from multi-site outcome study of homeless veterans enrolled in VA-funded transitional housing service (McGuire et al. 2011, pg. 706), through cross-sectional comparisons of homeless male and female veterans at the time of entry into transitional housing and examining outcomes 12 months after discharge.It is make headway hypothesized that, due to suggestions that there whitethorn be increase barriers for female veterans in accessing VA health services, female veterans would have worse outcomes than their male counterparts after transitional housing. Traumatic Stressor Exposure and Post-Traumatic Symptoms in Homeless VeteransThe Department of Housing and Urban Development (Carlson et al. 2012, pg. 970) recently reported that 13% of all homeless persons were veterans and an estimated 63,000 veterans were homeless on one night in January 2012.High judge of mental health problems have been reported in military and veteran populations. These problems may be related to trauma motion-picture show and contributing to homelessness. Approximately 70% of homeless veterans have substance abuse issues and 45% are diagnosed with mental illness. (Carlson et al. 2012, pg. 970) Combat exposure has been order to increase risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which in turn, is thought to increase risk for homelessness. One study examining th e rates of PTSD pre- and post deployment in a combat unit found that rates of PTSD increase from 9.4% to 18%, suggesting that exposure to combat increase the prevalence of PTSD in the unit (Hoge et al. 2004). force veterans may also have an elevated risk of PTSD as a ending of noncombat military stressors, such as dangerous or unstable conditions, witnessing injury, expiry or atrocities. Military trauma exposure puts individuals at risk for two(prenominal) PTSD and homelessness, but it is less clear whether civilian trauma exposure increases risk for PTSD and homelessness in veterans.In a study of Vietnam veterans, some(prenominal) PTSD and exposure to combat and other war-related atrocities in nowadays increased risk for homelessness, whereas interpersonal violence, and other types of nonmilitary trauma appeared to have direct effects on risk for homelessness (Carlson t al. 2013, pg. 970). A better agreement of the types of trauma that homeless veterans are exposed to coul d help identify veterans at increased risk for PTSD and homelessness and inform treatment (Carlson et al. 2013, pg. 970). Homeless Veterans of the All-Volunteer Force A mixer Selection Perspective The dramatic increase in urban homelessness in the United States has included large numbers of veterans. As with other Americans, poverty, alcohol, drugs, mental illness and mixer isolation have been enrolmented as the primary risk factors for homelessness among veterans. As would be expected of an age age bracket effect, in 1986 1987 the overrepresentation was highest among veterans of ages twenty to thirty-four, and in 1996 the odds of being a homeless veteran were highest among veterans aged thirty-five to forty-four (Tessler et al. 2003, pg.509)In this expression, the explanatory factors all derive from a social selection perspective that refers to the idea that individuals with personalcharacteristics that would later put them at risk for homelessness were recruited to military s ervice in disproportionate numbers during the early years of the all-volunteer force (AVF). Culturally satisfactory loving Work Practice with Veterans An Overview of U. S. Military If social workers are to serve veterans effectively and efficiently, a basic understanding of the United States military is essential. scorn a longstanding and intimate relationship between social workers and veterans, the vocation has been criticized for the lack of veteran-specific practitioner resources. The literature has been characterized as providing little practical focussing while universities and professional organizations failed to develop and incorporate the curriculum, schooling and tools needed to set social workers to serve this special population (Savitsky et al. 2009, pg. 863). Recently more information seems to be revolving with additional resources becoming available through social work journals, the development of advanced practice standards for military social workers, as well as academic course and degree specializations focusing on military social worker (Zoroya, 2009, pg. 864).The common theme has been the importance of military heathenish competency. The acknowledgment of military finishing is complex and not well understood by civilians and continues to impact veterans after discharge. This article presents information in anticipation of a Department of Veteran Affairs funded research project with veterans experiencing homelessness. Also, the article presents a structural and historical overview of the United States military, the propensity to enlist in gird forces, military culture and training methods and outcomes. It concludes with a discussion of implications for social work practice. Generally, military culture differs from the larger society in the United States as it is paternalistic and maintains a strict hierarchy. The military is characterized by a collectivist approach encouraging interdependency group orientation and group cohesion. Highly criticized qualities of military culture include misogyny and homophobia. The integration of females into armed forces has been hampered by fear of cohesiveness among males would be undermined. Experience indicates servicewomen are no more vulnerable to stress than servicemen and are able to complete physical tasks required of them.Unfortunately, women are subject to gender-based bias, stereotypes and harassment, both mental and physical. Alarming incidences of sexualharassment and sexual violence has increased in the military. A 2004 keep an eye on indicates 52% of women experienced sexual harassment while serving 10% did not odour it would do any good and 42% feared they would run adverse consequences (Zeiger & Gunderson, 2005. Pg. 867). Although changing with the repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell, the military has been strongly criticized for banning homosexuals from serving opening (Herek & Belkin, 2006. Pg. 867). Reason being it would undermine unit bonds and effectivenes s and that privacy could not be provided. Ultimately, it is important to note that the attitudes of heterosexual servicemen and women may not have been as one-sided against homosexuality as previously thought. The belief that gays be allowed to openly serve in the military had increased in recent years, indicating the obstacle to integration was not the attitudes of servicemen and women, but of military tradition.Social workers encounter veterans in public and private practice and effectively serving them demands military cultural competency. Social worker must have a foundation of general understanding of the larger military, its basic recital and the complimentary roles played by the disparate branches (Petrovich, 2012. pg. 871). Veterans will have divergent service experiences and their opinions regarding service could vary widely. The more the social worker knows, this will help develop rapport with the clients, urge a more individualized understanding of their service histo ry and other relevant areas.In the end, it is likely that veterans experience ambivalence regarding military culture and service experience and some military-oriented traits may be viewed as tangled in civilian life. However its important for the veteran and the social worker to explore and interpret these issues with respect the veterans sniff out of affiliation with and attachment to the military (Petrovich, 2012. pg. 872). Thus, a review of the literature has revealed adjuvant information about How common is homelessness among veterans?What are the risks factors gender, age, race, and ethnicity and disability and its impact? What interventions are provided to address this homeless problem among veterans? Do female homeless veterans feel more isolated?This research study will examine the impact of these four research questionsfrom the most recent data from the Veteran Affairs transitional housing course of instructions. Specifically this study hypothesizes that participants in the different VA-funded transitional housing services will Is the rate of homelessness increased and/or decrease between homeless female and male veterans? Are there increased barriers for female veterans in accessing VA services, in which female veterans would have worse outcomes than male counterparts after transitional housing?SamplingThe research approach that will be utilized for my chosen topic is qualitative research. Qualitative research is flexible it uses open-ended questions in interviews, participant observations and is often the best score for diverse and at-risk populations such as homeless veterans whereas quantitative methods involve abstract of numbers structured surveys, observations and examines existing information/reports. Also, in qualitative research, the research methods are not as hooklike upon the sample sizes as in quantitative methods.MethodologyThree major forms of VA-funded transitional housing service for homeless veterans will be included in this study the health care for homeless veterans (HCHV) program the grant and per diem (GPD) program and the domiciliary care for homeless veteran program (DCHV). The first two programs provide assistance to veterans through contracts with or grants to community service providers while the DCHV provides service directly through the VA staff at the local VA facility. Data were collected for a prospective, naturalistic study to compare these three transitional housing services across five different VA administrative regions (North, South, East, Wets and Mid-West).The study focused on 59 female participants and 1181 males. The female participant were Black (53%) or whiteness (41%) and had a mean age of 43.89 years while the majority of male participants were Black (59%) or White (35%), and had a mean age of 48.13 years. This information utilizes the variable star of value (gender) and the constant (homelessness). Age is variable that can be measured by asking the participants to write dow n their age in the blank space.ProceduresThe data collection was conducted from May 2002 through September 2005. in unfree evaluators recruited, consented and conducted service line and go through interviews with veterans in the transitional housing programs. Intake interviews were conducted onwards entering VA housing program, baseline interviews completed after admission and follow-up interviews were conducted 6 and 12 months after program discharge. Participation rate was very high (99.16%), and each participant gave informed consent. They were paid $10 for baseline interview and $25 for each follow-up interview.MeasuresWhen doing the initial intake interview, a paper form would be used to gather information from the participants to document their socio-demographic characteristics, combat exposure, housing and work history, psychiatric diagnoses, brief hospitalization history and a assessment of mental and physical health status. At baseline interview, participants were asked to complete a measure of the social climate of their residential care service. At follow-up interviews, a series of measures were administered to participants to assess Housing They were asked how many days in the last 30 days they have slept in different types of places such as housed (room or apartment) somebody elses apartment days in an institution (hospital, hotel or jail) and days homeless. Income and Employment They were asked about their current practice pattern and classified as employed or unemployed number of days they worked for pay and their employment income in 30 days.Also how much money they received from disability and public assistance. shopping center Abuse Status Alcohol and drug use in the past month. General Physical and Mental health Status Medical conditions were assessed with 12 questions that asked participants yes/no whether they had any of 12 common serious medical problems (e.g. hypertension, liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and orthopedic pro blems). Also includes an 8-item psychiatric composite scale which was used to assess general mental health status. Quality of Life General quality of life and quality of social life were assessed. Residential Social Climate At baseline, participants were asked to rate their perceptions of the treatment surround of their residential care program.FindingsAt intake the female participants were significantly younger report morepsychiatric symptoms, more likely to be diagnosed with mood disorders, has shorter histories of homelessness and less likely to be working than male veterans. Male participants were reported to have higher risk factors of homelessness due to substance abuse (70%) and PTSD (45%) due to combat exposure. Between one to six months in transitional housing services, both genders were showing improvement on employment income and overall psychiatric scores. At six months, female participants showed some decrease in employment and an increase in their psychiatric scores wh ereas the male participants continued to show improvements. after(prenominal) a one year period, female participants showed improvement in housing, employment and incomes, substance abuse use and general physical and mental health and quality of life compared to male participants.This suggests that homeless female veterans can realize as much from transitional housing services as male veterans. Transitional housing programs and shelter have been predominantly male environment focused on serving men, in the VA context. But this study found that, after adjusting for manifold comparisons, there were no differences in how homeless male and female veterans perceived the social climate of their transitional housing program or in their overall clinical benefits. These findings suggests that VA efforts to improve services for women may be successful, but need to continue.LimitationsOne limitation of this study is the small sample size of homeless female veterans. Also we were not able to differentiate between female veteran who are caring for dependent children and those who were not. Validity is a standard that determines whether an instrument measures what it is supposed to measure and whether it measures it accurately. truth is the key issue. Because of small sampling of female veteran participant, the question of dependent children was a valid observation. Reliability is the second key standard in determining if a measure is satisfactory. Reliability refers to the internal consistency of the measure. Dudley states that the connector between validity and reliability is triangulation. Triangulation is a process of using multiple methods to measure one concept. 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