Daniel Akaka: “this amendment would plus-up the Readjustment Counseling Service's funding by $10 million. RCS is the arm of VA that…”

“this amendment would plus-up the Readjustment Counseling Service's funding by $10 million. RCS is the arm of VA that operates the Vet Centers that many of us know so well. Vet Centers have traditionally provided needed counseling services to veterans of the Vietnam War in community-based settings for over two decades. Now, in the midst of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, the mission of the Vet Centers has been expanded to include outreach and counseling for service members, including members of the Guard and Reserve, who are returning from these conflicts. By providing the Vet Centers with an additional $10 million in funding, VA would be able to hire additional professional family therapists at Vet Centers nationwide to provide services to family members of veterans deeply affected by their service in combat. The readjustment period can be difficult for the entire family. We have all heard the statistics emerging from the groups that have already come back from OIF and OEF. Families and marriages have suffered due to rough transitions, and many have resulted in divorce. These additional funds would also augment Vet Centers in underserved rural communities and would expand the capacity for these centers to provide readjustment services to those veterans who may struggle with obtaining access because they live in a remote area.…”