Posted on Jul 6, 2015
How can I get intervention for former military member without involving local law enforcement?
15.7K
101
69
9
8
1
I'm worried about a former military member who is becoming withdrawn. Is it possible to have some kind of intervention without involving local law enforcement? Something like a health and welfare check. Does anyone know which social services might become involved?
Posted in these groups: 
Leadership
Leadership
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 36
2
2
0
If the former member use to go to a church you may get them to help, they may have an answer? DAV, VFW or VA can also help in areas we may not know to protect the former member from any adverse reactions, asking them couldn't hurt.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
there is a hot line out there now for veterans and military members needing help and someone to talk to. My agency had cards for those needing and wanting them.
(2)
(0)
Sgt (Join to see)
I am a Family/Friend | Veterans Crisis Line
Free, confidential support for Veterans in crisis and their friends and family. Call the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) or chat online 24/7/365.
(0)
(0)
Sgt (Join to see)
I am a Veteran | Veterans Crisis Line
Free, confidential support for Veterans in crisis. Call the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) or chat online 24/7/365.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I once had a situation where I was asked to provide help. I found that there were a number of former military chaplains in the area that were now civilian church leaders (pastors, priests, etc.). These people specialize in a lot of very difficult situations, they understand the military mindset, and they are out of the military so that they are not bound to report issues to the military. They are also bound, by confidentiality to not report anything to law enforcement except under certain specific conditions (when you would actually want and need to do so). They are also a non-threatening third-party arbitrator that most people listen to and accept.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
CPT Pettersen Here;
Being a Dr. of Psychotherapy let me field this one for you. There are many ways to get outreach for the individual. It Completely depends on what type of support you need for the individual and I can give you a more specific answer. E-mail me if you want at [login to see]
Being a Dr. of Psychotherapy let me field this one for you. There are many ways to get outreach for the individual. It Completely depends on what type of support you need for the individual and I can give you a more specific answer. E-mail me if you want at [login to see]
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
The veteran could end up in the psych ward or jail if not careful. In Illinois, a person can go to a psych hospital and be temporarily detained without doctor's orders. The Red Cross has Service to Armed Forces which has case workers who will do "wellness checks" via telephone. If a mental health caseworker needs to be sent to visit the veteran depending on where the veteran lives the Red Cross has mental health case workers that may be able to visit the person. [login to see]
(1)
(0)
Amn Anne Hofferkamp
I did SAF casework & American Red Cross (ARC) disaster casework. ARC is going through a national restructuring. When you call the 800#, they'll ask for name/rank/ssn, contact info of both parties. SAF deals w/ emergency contacts & emergency financial assistance. If this falls into the "emergency contact" they can send out a ARC trained mental health professional if necessary. Stress the emergency of the situation with whoever you talk to on the phone. Bear in mind, my second choice would be the local VFW/American Legion service officer. They're not perfect either. I know great service officers - so do your research & be sure the guy/gal you talk to actually follows through with the request. We have a great VFW service officer here.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
CPT (Join to see) Do what ever it takes to get the help that person needs! The price of doing nothing or not enough is high, and a burden not easily gotten over. It can be something so simple at getting them out of the house for a day of fun. Get him involved with other veterans if he is willing.
(1)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
SSG Jerrold English - I ride, I'll invite him, but that's probably not the same thing as you are talking about.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
"withdrawn" is not a reason to report him to the police or legal system. Cops in his home for a health and welfare inspection could be viewed as a threat and turn "withdrawn" in to a whole new level of emotional and financial "HELL". The VA, Vet Center and other veterans can help when he is ready. Sometimes I withdraw because I need time to process emotions or need time alone when overwhelmed. Maybe he has withdrawn to "check his head space and timing". Sometimes a call or txt to let them know you are thinking of them can help. Then he may be open to suggested veteran assistance programs. Don't break that trust by calling the cops to cover your arz..
(1)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
SPC Leisel Luman CPO Bill Towart - Withdrawn is a mild word to use in this instance for what was going on with him. He is currently now getting help. Thank you for your responses.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
There are multiple organizations out there that can step in.
I can refer two for you.
If this individual is suicidal, it is recommended they contact a veteran run organization called Battle in Distress.
If they need other vets in their community, just to rely on, or a battle buddy then I strongly recommend Warrior Pointe Inc. (http://www.warriorpointe.org) They create chapters across the nation where veterans can connect and help each other out.
I can honestly vouch for both organizations.
I can refer two for you.
If this individual is suicidal, it is recommended they contact a veteran run organization called Battle in Distress.
If they need other vets in their community, just to rely on, or a battle buddy then I strongly recommend Warrior Pointe Inc. (http://www.warriorpointe.org) They create chapters across the nation where veterans can connect and help each other out.
I can honestly vouch for both organizations.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I would get in contact with the local Veterans Center they have transition counselors there that can help him/her. The good thing about the Veterans Center is they do not report any counseling sessions to the VA Medical Centers so it doesn't go into the patients file which is what most veterans with PTSD are afraid of because of laws in certain states were they may take your guns away or other things.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Captain - Start with your local community mental health or, if they won't do a house call, find a local pastor. If you can find a provider that is a veteran, all the better.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google