Veterans Justice Initiative (VJI)

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Protecting Veterans’ Independence at Home

The VJI was founded to confront the deeply rooted mental health and substance abuse issues faced within the Veteran community. After witnessing her husband and his Veteran peers struggle with mental health and legal crises, The Independence Fund’s CEO, Sarah Verardo, launched VJI in 2022 with the support of North Carolina’s No Veteran Left Behind Act.

The Veteran community experiences abnormally high rates of mental illness and substance abuse, particularly in post-9/11 combat Veterans. The VJI helps provide justice for Veterans following their first interaction with the legal system by decriminalizing mental illness, substance abuse, and working to prevent Veteran incarceration. The program connects Veterans with officers and first responders with shared experiences, training, and resources to help law enforcement understand the scope of Veterans’ mental health obstacles following their return home from service.

VJI Program Pillars

The VJI Operates on Three Central Pillars:

  • Veterans Crisis Intervention Training: Law enforcement, first responders, and frontline workers are trained to better understand Veterans’ mental health obstacles.
  • Individual Casework Assistance: The program strives for early intervention, providing casework assistance as soon as Veterans are involved in the criminal justice system.
  • Veterans Treatment Courts: These courts help evaluate Veterans needs individually, identify suitable treatment services, and communicate Veterans’ progress to the courts.

The Value of Early Intervention

When Veterans are experiencing a crisis, the VJI has trained first responders on the best approach to the situation when making initial contact. This gives Veterans the opportunity to navigate the legal system through Veterans Treatment Courts with dedicated casework assistance, helping them obtain the specific services and support required for their situation. Since its founding, the program has experienced profound success:

  • 6,669 officers and first responders received VJI training
  • 279 individual case inquiries completed for Veterans in crisis
  • 6 Veterans Treatment Courts established
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Finding Justice for Veterans

If you or a Veteran you know has recently been involved with law enforcement, contact the VJI team to determine eligibility for services.

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