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Seriously Injured Leavers Protocol
Notification of a Seriously Injured Leaver (welfare 11)
Transitional Welfare Requirements Protocol
How to Contact the Veterans Welfare Service
Statement of Purpose
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THE SERIOUSLY INJURED LEAVERS PROTOCOL
The Aftercare Protocol in respect of a referral to SPVA Veterans Welfare Service from Service Welfare staffs via a Welfare 11, which addresses the Welfare needs of Seriously Injured Leavers.
Introduction
1. This Protocol aims to ensure the identification and ongoing support for those Service Leavers (SL) deemed likely to be medically discharged due to severe physical/mental disablement. The identification is based upon defined major disabling medical criteria, whilst the support is achieved through the closer working of MoD in-Service and post Service welfare groups.
2. Whilst DResettlement furthers the provision for links to ex-Service charities, this protocol complements that potential support by ensuring the MoD formally helps the severely disabled SL engage with all internal and external available services. This is achieved through closer working arrangements, without any break in the continuity of support.
3. The Protocol outlines the support available to SLs throughout their transition to civilian life, as a result of injury through service. It does not replace or diminish any alternative support provision available, like that from Regimental Associations etc. Indeed closer contact with these groups should be encouraged so as to facilitate the best possible outcome for the disabled SL. It also has the added benefit of identifying discharged personnel whose condition has deteriorated or developed since leaving the Services, facilitating a referral to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency Veterans Welfare Service (SPVA VWS) resulting in benefit from the Protocol, albeit post the usual trigger dates.
The SIL Protocol
4. Early Identification. Early identification by Welfare Coordinators1 of individuals deemed likely to be medically discharged due to severe physical/mental disablement is crucial. The types of case which should be notified using the SIL Protocol are those Regular and Reserve personnel with major disablement in the categories set out below which is leading to their medical discharge:
- Severe complex multiple injuries;
- Head injuries requiring extended hospitalisation;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- PTSD and similar traumatic psychological injuries;
- Amputations;
- Loss of sight/hearing;
- Severe Burns;
5. There are particular issues with respect to Reservists and efforts will be required to ensure that their needs are identified and addressed. The SIL Protocol includes injury whilst on Man Training Days.
6. Foreign (Gurkhas or citizens of the Republic of Ireland) or Commonwealth personnel (and their immediate families/dependants) who are subject to immigration control without recourse to public funds on discharge may be ineligible for statutory support from UK local authorities or OGDs. Specialist support and additional arrangements may be required and particular attention should be paid to the specific immigration related needs of these cases.
7. 3 months prior to discharge or immediately discharge is decided, if that date is later. Welfare Coordinators are to contact the SPVA VWS using the approved Welfare 11 tri-Service proforma, which is available on the internet via
Welfare 11 referral proforma
8. It is imperative the person referring the Welfare 11 receives signed authorisation from the Service Leaver (SL), prior to releasing information to the SPVA VWS. All pages of the Welfare 11 should be fully completed, omitting the SL’s signature and then referred electronically. The signature box is to be annotated with the SLs Surname and Initials.
9. The Welfare 11 should be *e-mailed to the central SPVA point (E-mail addresses are detailed below and on the Welfare11), to notify the impending medical discharge and provide case details identifying potential requirements for aftercare support to include as appropriate:
a. Post discharge living arrangements.
b. Finances.
c. Employment.
d. Potential benefit entitlements.
e. Alcohol/drug dependencies.
f. Engagement with other welfare support services/charities.
g. For those subject to immigration control wishing to remain in the UK there may be a requirement to apply to the Home Office (HO) for ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’.
h. Any other identified welfare support requirements.
In addition, a copy of page 1, signed by the SL should be sent to the SPVA VWS by post, as evidence of consent.
*If E-mail is not available, the Welfare 11 should be referred by double enveloped post using the contact details below:
SPVA Contact/alternative referral point:
SPVA Welfare Support Office
Room 6124, Norcross, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY5 3WP
E-mail: SPVA-DVS-VWS Sp Offc [email protected] or
SPVA-VWS-Support Mgr [email protected]
Telephone: 01253 333641
Fax: 01253 332235
10. 1 month prior to discharge or immediately discharge is decided, if that date is later. Following receipt of the Welfare 11 the VWS Support Office will allocate the case to an appropriate VWS Welfare Manager (VWS WM). The VWS WM should then contact the person who made the Welfare 11 referral to arrange an initial meeting with the Welfare Coordinator (ie in-Service personnel) and the SL, involving any post discharge carer if necessary. They are to discuss mutually, proposals for a post discharge welfare support package to include, as appropriate, those areas outlined at Para 9 and to record the identified requirements and responsibilities.
11. Post Discharge
a. Weeks 1 –11. The VWS WM and the Welfare Coordinator are to proceed with the agreed post discharge care plan, in line with responsibilities determined at Para 10, which will include determined levels and frequency of contact.
b. Contact between the Welfare Coordinator and VWS WM is to be continued throughout Weeks 1 – 11 (if appropriate, a longer period can be agreed between all parties) in order to discuss outcomes and determine areas of individual or mutual engagement to resolve casework issues. The level of contact is dependant on the case and if there is any in-Service need. Throughout this period overall case responsibility remains with the Welfare Coordinator until in-Service withdrawal is jointly agreed, involving the SL and family (scheduled at week 12), although the delivery of agreed front line practical support will be jointly addressed with VWS WM.
c. Week 12 – Transfer of Responsibility. The Welfare Coordinator and VWS WM are to undertake a home visit, involving the veteran and as appropriate their immediate representatives in a case conference. This will affect an agreed transfer of welfare responsibility from, in-Service to VWS, or a deferment to a future specified date to attain optimum transition arrangements. The full details of areas discussed at this visit must be recorded, and responsibility for taking forward further work to assist the veteran must be clearly identified against realistic timeframes.
12. Post Transfer of Responsibility
a. 4 to 6 months. VWS WM is to conduct 2 further home visits in months 4 and 6 (from the date of discharge), to assess progress under the agreed welfare support package for the veteran and their immediate family, supplemented by a telephone contact in month 5.
b. 7 to 12 months. VWS WM is to conduct visits in months 9 and 12 (from the date of discharge), supplemented by monthly telephone contact in the other months.
c. 13 to 18 months. VWS WM is to conduct telephone contacts during months 15 and 18 (from the date of discharge).
d. 19 to 24 months. VWS WM is to conduct a telephone contact during month 24 (from the date of discharge).
e. Post 24 months. On an as need basis, contact is to be facilitated where necessary via a visit or telephone contact as agreed between all parties.
13. Throughout all stages support and intervention will be provided in a manner that aims not to create dependency but to promote positive and workable solutions to achieving independent living and employment opportunities outside of the Services. It should recognise that as part of the Military Covenant the Services and the nation owe much to these medically discharged veterans and they should be offered as much assistance as possible to live as good a quality of life as possible, irrespective of any disabilities they may have.