Social Inclusion

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2183-2803

Article | Open Access

Navigating Digital Exclusion After Incarceration: The Role of Peer Support in Veteran Reentry

  • Maria D. Venegas Center for Healthcare Optimization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA / UMass Lowell, USA / Harvard Medical School, USA / Boston University School of Public Health, USA / New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA
  • Sophia Bartels Center for Healthcare Optimization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA
  • Beth Ann Petrakis Center for Healthcare Optimization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA
  • Keith McInnes Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University
  • Megan B. McCullough Center for Healthcare Optimization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA / UMass Lowell, USA
  • Lauren R. Moo New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA
  • Vincent Song Center for Healthcare Optimization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA
  • Angela M. Kyrish Center for Healthcare Optimization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA
  • Bo Kim Center for Healthcare Optimization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA / Harvard Medical School, USA
  • Justeen K. Hyde Center for Healthcare Optimization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), US Department of Veteran Affairs, USA / UMass Lowell, USA
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Abstract:  The reintegration of formerly incarcerated veterans poses significant challenges, including housing instability, employment barriers, health concerns, and systemic stigma. Digital tools can support an individual in overcoming these challenges; however, lack of digital skills may exacerbate barriers and hinder their participation in daily life. This secondary qualitative study examined how digital technologies shape community reintegration among formerly incarcerated veterans participating in the US Department of Veterans Affairs Post‐Incarceration Engagement (PIE) initiative. Data included semi‐structured interviews with veterans and peer specialists, together with previously coded qualitative interviews, analytic memos, and implementation materials collected during development of the PIE initiative. Analysis identified six interrelated themes that reflected three broader dimensions of digital exclusion: structural, temporal, and relational. Peer specialists functioned as trusted relational digital navigators, helping veterans bridge technology‐related barriers while simultaneously navigating housing, healthcare, benefits, and other reintegration challenges. This study adds a Veteran‐specific perspective to global conversations on digital inclusion after incarceration. It underscores the value of investing in peer specialists who can tailor the intensity of support, based on a veteran’s needs, to obtain access to technology and build digital literacy skills important to community integration.

Keywords:  digital exclusion; incarceration; peer support; reentry; telehealth; veterans

Published:  

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17645/si.12704

Issue:   Vol 14 (2026): Digital Inclusion During and After Incarceration: A Global Perspective (In Progress)


© Maria D. Venegas, Sophia Bartels, Beth Ann Petrakis, Keith McInnes, Megan B. McCullough, Lauren R. Moo, Vincent Song, Angela M. Kyrish, Bo Kim, Justeen K. Hyde. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction of the work without further permission provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

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