The Veteran Supported Education Service Treatment Manual: VetSEd

V. BUILDING A SUPPORTED EDUCATION REFERRAL POOL FOR VetSEd
Unlike supported employment, the eligibility criteria above do not specify that referrals
to the VetSEd program come solely from VA Medical Centers. Hence, strategies for
outreach and for building a referral pool are indicated. One of these will be sharing
information about supported education to develop a large base of referral sources.
Developing relationships with other Veteran programs and school services will increase
sources of referrals. Referrals can be sought through case management and treatment
team meetings, Veteran related activities, and periodic information sessions for internal
or external groups. An effective supported education referral process has minimal barriers
to entry. You will increase the number of referrals received if you educate key
stakeholders about the role that education can play in recovery from mental health,
substance abuse and trauma related problems, tell them about the availability of
supported education services, and make it easy to refer Veterans to your program.
Establishing connections within the Veteran system that maintain a consistent flow of
referrals for your education program is crucial for ongoing success. Educational providers
need to inform clinical treatment team members about the program and then
communicate the steps to enroll in the program. Communicating the minimal eligibility
criteria to referral sources is also an initial step. Simple referral forms and easy methods
of communication among education providers and referral sources are essential in the
process. Overall, developing a user-friendly referral process will assist in maintaining a
viable program.
Strategies for Increasing Supported Education Referrals into VetSEd
(adapted from Becker & Drake, 2003)
Inform key stakeholders about the opportunities and enlist their support in the
referral process
Talk to Veterans and groups
Talk to Veterans who may be interested in work
Speak at local community meetings
Speak at local Veteran organizations to educate Veterans about work and
VetSEd
Present at local, state, and national conferences (e.g., National Alliance on
Mental Illness)
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