Veterans’ reintegration: What needs improvement and what approaches are lacking

A recent study titled “Veteran Reintegration – Addressing Needs and Overcoming Challenges,” conducted by IREX’s Veteran Reintegration (VR) Program in partnership with the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation and the Info Sapiens research agency, sheds light on the current needs and obstacles faced by both male and female veterans, offering insight into where future support should be focused.

The findings were presented at Media Center Ukraine, highlighting the complex spectrum of challenges veterans encounter, spanning medical and psychological care, education and employment, benefit accessibility, transition support, and family-centered initiatives.

Kostiantyn Tatarkin, technical advisor on Veteran Affairs at IREX, emphasized that key needs in healthcare include implementing standardized treatment and rehabilitation protocols, ensuring smooth documentation processes between military and civilian hospitals, improving medical and social examinations, raising awareness of available rehabilitation services, and promoting a more veteran-friendly approach among healthcare professionals.

In the mental health area, the study emphasized the need to reduce stigma around seeking support and improve the quality of community-based services.

The reintegration of veterans into education and the workforce requires addressing employer biases against hiring former service members, fostering respectful workplace interactions, and creating inclusive job environments. Additionally, there is a pressing need for government, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to actively support veterans’ entrepreneurial ventures.

Kostiantyn Tatarkin noted that the study reveals a significant institutional conflict regarding benefits. While the state provides these benefits, reimbursements are drawn from local budgets, which often lack the necessary funds. Notably, survey results suggest that many veterans are willing to forgo certain benefits, indicating a demand for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the existing system.

The survey also explored various other critical issues, challenges, and opportunities facing both female and male veterans, along with potential strategies for resolution. For further insights, readers can access more details about the study here.

Ruslana Velychko-Tryfoniuk, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine for European Integration, underscored the significance of the recent study and its findings, asserting that they are essential for implementing initiatives aimed at supporting both female and male veterans. 

“The Ministry of Veterans Affairs consistently monitors veterans’ perceptions of systemic issues to address them effectively. Ultimately, the Ministry must coordinate all policies related to veterans across every central executive body,” she emphasized.

Uliana Bakh, project director at IREX, noted that the study’s findings will guide the development of future reintegration programs for veterans. This includes efforts to establish systems that minimize barriers to service access, enhance service delivery at both national and community levels, and strengthen the framework for legal services and support for veterans.

“One of our planned initiatives, following the study’s insights, is to bolster information campaigns that will help veterans understand the available services. In our upcoming activities, we intend to launch a public awareness campaign aimed at educating both the government and civil society about the resources currently available to female and male veterans, as well as those that will be introduced in the future,” Uliana Bakh added.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news