​VETERANS AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
Where this fits
Some veterans come into contact with the justice system during periods of crisis, instability, or poor health. This may involve police custody, court, prison, probation, or release back into the community.
Support does exist, but it is not always obvious. People can move through the system without knowing what is available to them.
This page does not provide legal advice or case support. It explains some of the main routes that may help veterans and families understand where support can be found.
Why your history matters
When a person is identified as a veteran, services may be able to recognise earlier what support could help. This does not change the justice process, but it can affect what questions are asked and whether specialist support is considered.
That might happen at the custody desk, or later through court, prison, probation, release planning, or a support service.
Not everyone says they have served straight away. Shame, mistrust, distress, fear, intoxication, or not seeing the point can all play a part. Some veterans may also not want to be defined by their service at a difficult time.
Early support can help identify needs linked to housing, debt, addiction, family pressures, and physical or mental health. In some cases, it can also help services understand whether trauma, stress, or other difficulties may be part of the wider picture.
Support routes throughout the UK
Several organisations provide specialist support for veterans and families affected by the justice system. These services may work with people in police custody, court, prison, probation, release planning, or after return to the community.
The routes listed below are provided by organisations with experience of working with veterans in the criminal justice system. Availability, referral routes, and local coverage may vary, so the organisation’s own website should always be checked for the most current information.
Op NOVA
Op NOVA, delivered by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England, provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system, enabling them to access the services they need.
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Call: 0800 917 7299
CFO Evolution, in partnership with Forces Employment, a specialist support service for Ex-Forces personnel who have offended focusing on training
SSAFA for Veterans in the Criminal Justice System
SSAFA supports veterans serving prison sentences and their families through its Veterans in the Criminal Justice System service. Support may include practical and emotional help, Prison-In-Reach volunteers, and links to wider SSAFA services.
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Call: 0800 917 7299
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For support in prison, contact: VCJS.SupportServices@ssafa.org.uk
For support after release, SSAFA regional hubs can help connect veterans and families with local support. Contact details may change, so SSAFA’s own website should always be checked for the most current information.
Call Forcesline: 0800 260 6780
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SSAFA regional hubs include: Scotland, Northern Ireland, North West, North East & Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, Wales, South West, South East, London
Care after Combat 24/7
Care after Combat (Project Phoenix) provides support to veterans of the UK armed forces and their families in England and Wales, particularly those navigating the justice system. They provide services including mentorship support, group meetings in prison, remote support service and telephone helpline assistance.
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Call: 0300 343 0255
SACRO – Veterans Mentoring Service
Sacro is a Scottish community justice organisation which works with veterans in contact with the criminal justice system.
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Call: 0131 624 7270
Veterans Services Northern Ireland
Veterans Services Northern Ireland (VSNI, formerly the Veterans Welfare Service NI) provides free, confidential support for serving personnel, veterans, and their families. They assist with welfare issues, including compensation, bereavement, and mental health support, via dedicated local field teams across Northern Ireland.
Call: 0738 705 0640
Health and support
Health difficulties do not remove accountability, but they can shape how someone reaches crisis and the support needed to reduce further harm.
The organisations listed above focus on veterans in contact with the justice system. Other support may also be relevant where physical or mental health, addiction, family pressures, or day-to-day stability are part of the wider picture.
For wider health and support routes beyond the justice system, visit the Find Support directory.