# Section 8:

**Other Supporting or Intersecting Systems**

Although not necessarily separate components in the drug-free workforce
triad, other government programs and systems also contribute to the
achievement of a drug-free workforce. The two notable examples are
veterans' programs and drug court component of the nation's criminal
justice system, both of which are discussed in more detail below.

**8.1 Veterans' Assistance Programs**[^1]

The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project, administered by the U.S.
Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, strives
to reintegrate homeless veterans into the labor force by awarding
competitive grants to State and local Workforce Investment Boards, local
public agencies, for-profits/commercial entities, and nonprofit
organizations including faith-based and community organizations, which
have familiarity with the area and population to be served and can
administer an effective program.

Grantees provide an array of services both directly and through linkages
in the local community. The program is employment focused---veterans
receive the services they need to reenter the labor market. Workforce
development services provided include job counseling, resume
preparation, job development, and job placement. Other supportive
services necessary in order to successfully obtain and maintain
employment, such as clothing, shelter, referral to medical or substance
abuse treatment, and transportation assistance, are also provided.
Homeless veterans needing substance abuse treatment are referred to VA
hospitals providing the necessary services.

Helping homeless veterans get and retain jobs is enhanced through
coordination with other veterans' assistance programs and organizations,
such as the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program and Local Veterans'
Employment Representatives in the State Employment Security/Job Service
Agencies, Workforce Investment Boards, One-Stop Centers, the Veterans'
Workforce Investment Program, the American Legion, Disabled American
Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Departments of Veterans'
Affairs (VA), Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human
Services.

VA itself also administers a number of special programs specifically
designed to help homeless veterans live as self-sufficiently and
independently as possible, and services include clinical assessment and
referral to needed medical treatment for physical and psychiatric
disorders, including substance abuse, and employment assistance. Other
related services include aggressive outreach to veterans living on
streets and in shelters who otherwise would not seek assistance;
long-term sheltered transitional assistance, case management, and
rehabilitation; and supported permanent housing.

**8.2 Criminal Justice / Drug Court System**[^2]

Drug courts are special courts given the responsibility to handle cases
involving drug-addicted offenders through an extensive supervision and
treatment program. The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the
Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, administers the drug
court grant program, which provides financial and technical assistance,
training, programmatic guidance, and leadership. Jurisdictions can use
grants to plan, implement, or enhance drug courts.

Drug court participants go through long-term treatment and counseling,
sanctions, incentives, and frequent court appearances. Successful
completion of the treatment program results in dismissal of the charges,
reduced or set aside sentences, lesser penalties, or a combination of
these. Most importantly, graduating participants gain the necessary
tools to rebuild their lives.

Drug courts vary somewhat from one jurisdiction to another in terms of
structure, scope, and target populations, but they all share common
goals: reducing recidivism of drug-related offenses and creating options
within the criminal justice system to tailor effective and appropriate
responses to offenders with drug problems. The program imposes an
assortment of obligations upon the defendant based upon his/her own
particular needs. Some of the conditions that may be imposed include
community service, urinalysis testing, treatment, general education
requirements, job training, and the obligation to seek and maintain
gainful employment, among others.

Clients are responsible for their development and participation in the
treatment process. Regular status hearings are held with the judge and
drug court team. Status hearings offer the client encouragement for
continuing growth. Sanctions are imposed for relapses, use incidents,
failures to attend treatment or testing, and other non-compliant events.

It is intended that clients who successfully complete the drug court
program will have broken the addiction cycle, found and maintained
employment, and become active, productive members of society. Chemical
dependency is treated as a primary, chronic, lifelong disease. Group
therapy, education, individual counseling, and a community-based
approach are the basic tools offered for behavioral changes. Involvement
and participation in self-help programs is stressed as a fundamental
tool of lifelong recovery.

[^1]: U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service
    website (<http://www.dol.gov/vets>).

[^2]: National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Web site
    (<http://www.ncjrs.org/drug_courts/summary.html>).