Veterans in the Justice System: Support & Where to Get Help

If you are a veteran, a family member, or someone working in the justice system trying to support a veteran, this page explains what help is available, how to access it, and where to start. Veterans involved in the justice system, whether facing arrest, serving a community sentence, in custody, or preparing for release, are among the most vulnerable people in the Armed Forces community. They are also, too often, the hardest to reach.

The Scale of the Issue

~5% of the prison population in England and Wales has disclosed service in the Armed Forces (ONS, 2021)
4,577+ referrals managed by NOVA Justice Services in 2025 alone
63% of Op NOVA clients reported progress toward a crime-free life
79% reported improved mental health following Op NOVA support
92% reported progress in at least two outcome areas

These figures represent people — veterans who, with the right support at the right time, have a strong chance of rebuilding stable lives. The support exists. The task is making sure veterans and those around them can find it quickly.

⚠ Statistics correct as of September 2026 — updated figures coming soon.

The Primary Support Pathway: Op NOVA

Op NOVA is the only fully commissioned, nationally available support service for veterans in the justice system in England. Op NOVA provides joined-up, 1-2-1 support from a specialist network of community and prison-based caseworkers — active at every point of the justice system, from arrest through to probation. Caseworkers include veterans, former police, probation and prison staff, and those with lived experience of the justice system.

Op NOVA is available in every police force, probation region and adult prison in England. No other service provides this level of consistent, seamless coverage.

How to make a referral:
Freephone: 0800 917 7299
Email: opnova@forcesemployment.org.uk
Website: www.opnova.org.uk

Self-referrals, partner referrals and family referrals are all accepted. Initial contact is made within two working days. Op NOVA works in formal partnership with police, the judiciary and HMPPS, supporting Information Sharing Agreements, Pre-Sentencing Reports, Out of Court Resolutions, Prison Forums and Prison Release Management. Caseworkers work alongside — not instead of — other charities and local organisations, coordinating the best available support for each veteran.

Op NOVA provides veterans living in England with a fully commissioned, nationally available support service. Support is available from risk of arrest all the way through arrest, court proceedings, prison sentences and probation. There is no other service that can provide this level of consistent, funded support in England.

NOVA support outside England:

Op NOVA is commissioned by NHS England and delivered by the specialist NOVA Justice Services team at Forces Employment Charity. It is only available to veterans living in England.

NOVA Justice Services delivers support across the UK and is open to any veteran who is in contact with, or at risk of contact with the justice system in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Contact the NOVA National Support team for referrals and the latest information: 0800 917 7299.

How NOVA Support Works

Once a referral is made to the NOVA National Support Team (NST), the process is consistent and straightforward:

1. Referral made: By phone, email, online form, or self-referral.

2. Case file opened: A local NOVA caseworker is allocated — someone with relevant expertise and local knowledge.

3. Needs assessment: A 1-2-1 assessment using Justice Star Outcomes — a consistent, evidence-based framework.

4. Care plan actioned: Personalised support plan put in place. Progress tracked, monitored and shared with the relevant justice network.

⚠ A note on signposting: Veterans in the justice system are a particularly vulnerable group — many have been let down before by services that promised more than they could deliver. Troopr lists Op NOVA first and prominently because it is the only service that can offer consistent, national, end-to-end support in England. Other organisations listed below provide valuable regional or supplementary support — and Op NOVA caseworkers work alongside all of them.

Additional and Regional Support

The organisations below provide valuable support to veterans in the justice system, either regionally or in specific circumstances. Where NOVA is available, it should be the first contact — caseworkers will coordinate with these and other local services on the veteran's behalf.

SSAFA — Veterans in Criminal Justice | Nationwide

SSAFA in-reach volunteers are trained to work within the criminal justice system and can visit clients in prison to assess their needs. Support covers emotional and practical advice throughout a sentence and post-release, including accommodation, clothing, benefits and employment. Available to all Armed Forces community members including reservists, families and those with at least one day's service.

Care After Combat | Newark, Nottinghamshire — and wider

Supports ex-service personnel in rebuilding their lives after trauma, with services covering housing, training, civilian careers and related support for those involved in the criminal justice system.

Who Dares Cares — About Turn Scotland | South Lanarkshire

Supports veterans in the criminal justice system serving non-custodial sentences, under a service level agreement with South Lanarkshire Council. Offers practical support to veterans on the wrong side of the law — including families — regardless of circumstances.

SACRO — Veterans Mentoring Programme | Scotland

Free one-to-one mentoring for military veterans currently in or at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. Develops intensive, individualised support plans focused on sustainable independent living. Voluntary participation.

Start 360 — RDV (Rethink, Develop, Value) | Northern Ireland

Provides post-custody support for ex-service members across Northern Ireland, with a presence in HMP Maghaberry, HMP Magilligan and Hydebank Wood. Support combines one-to-one therapeutic casework, structured group work, and pre-and post-release follow-up, addressing substance use, emotional wellbeing and family safety.

Who Can Access Support?

NOVA Justice Services and most supporting organisations work with a broad definition of eligibility. You do not need a formal diagnosis, a significant service record, or to be in custody to access support.

Veterans who served any length of time in any branch of the UK Armed Forces
Reservists and National Service veterans
Family members affected by a veteran's involvement in the justice system
Those at risk of justice system contact — not just those already in the system
People at any stage: pre-arrest, on remand, serving a sentence, or post-release

Many veterans are reluctant to disclose their service — through shame, fear or anxiety. Op NOVA caseworkers understand this. Disclosure is not a barrier to accessing support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Op NOVA and how is it different from other support?

Op NOVA is the only national, NHS-commissioned support pathway for veterans in the justice system in England. Unlike regional or many charity-led services, it provides consistent 1-2-1 caseworker support at every stage of the justice system — from arrest to probation — in every police force, probation region and adult prison in England. It works with other organisations rather than instead of them. While Op NOVA is commissioned by NHS England as part of their Armed Forces Healthcare provision, it is delivered by the Forces Employment Charity’s specialist NOVA Justice Services team. NOVA Justice services also provides similar support to veterans in throughout the UK through NOVA Scotland, NOVA Wales and NOVA Northern Ireland.

Can a family member refer a veteran to Op NOVA?

Yes. Self-referrals, family referrals and professional referrals are all accepted. Contact the NOVA National Support Team by freephone on 0800 917 7299 or at opnova@forcesemployment.org.uk.

Does the veteran need to be in prison to get support?

No. Early contact is encouraged - NOVA Justice Services will work to support veterans at any point of the justice system, including those at considered at risk of contact. For veterans living in England, Op NOVA is specifically commissioned and designed to provide consistent, seamless support from risk to probation after prison.

Is support available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Yes, simply contact the NOVA National Support Team for current information on NOVA Scotland, NOVA Wales and NOVA Northern Ireland.

What if a veteran doesn't want to disclose their service?

NOVA caseworkers understand the barriers many veterans face — including shame, fear and mistrust of services. Disclosure is not a requirement to begin a conversation. Caseworkers are trained to work sensitively with reluctant or hard-to-reach veterans.

Are there support services for veterans on community sentences, not just in prison?

Yes. NOVA Justice Services (Op NOVA, NOVA Scotland, NOVA Wales and NOVA Northern Ireland) all provide 1-2-1 caseworkers to help veterans understand and comply with community sentencing requirements. Several supporting organisations including Who Dares Cares (Scotland) and SACRO's mentoring programme also specifically support veterans serving non-custodial sentences.

Find Support on Troopr

Troopr connects veterans and their families with trusted organisations across legal support, housing, mental health and employment. If you or someone you know is involved in the justice system, start with NOVA Justice Services— then explore what else is available.