Recreation-Based Programming for Veteran Families: Practitioners’ Perspective

Reintegration presents many challenges for transitioning veterans and their families. Veterans return to civil life needing mental health and family services support. Recreation-based programs have been introduced to veterans and their families to help address their needs during and after reintegration. Few studies examine the perspectives of practitioners in veteran-serving organizations focusing on recreation-based programs. Interviews were conducted with eight practitioners and analyzed using qualitative coding. According to practitioners, veterans and their families experienced multiple benefits and learned new skills through the programs, including communication skills, better emotional response, reestablishment of family roles, and problem-solving skills. They also learned about mental health and had an opportunity to decompress and have fun with their families and other veterans. The practitioners also reported that the veterans expressed a desire to include family members in programs, learn more about mental health issues, and share their experiences with fellow veteran families. There were also several barriers experienced by the program providers, including limited funding and staff, and the ability to find housing suitable for the families.