Summary

In response to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Veterans Administration's (VA) Readjustment Counseling Program, specifically: (1) the need for retaining centers in community-based locations; (2) the characteristics and problems of clients who have sought counseling; and (3) program management issues.

GAO found that: (1) relocation of centers to existing VA facilities would probably not reduce program costs or improve veterans' access to quality counseling services; (2) most of the veterans who sought counseling served during the Vietnam era and appeared to have motivational or behavioral problems; and (3) there has been no significant change in the personal characteristics of clients since the program began. In addition, GAO found that the centers: (1) offer an array of services, including individual and group counseling and assistance with employment and VA benefits; (2) have established extensive community networks for outreach and referrals; and (3) are staffed by personnel with the academic, military, and professional experience that VA considers relevant, although many have been in their positions for less than 1 year. GAO also found that: (1) site visits are a critical mechanism for monitoring the centers' activities, but are not always conducted because of staff shortages and time demands; (2) data on client contact is incomplete and inconsistent; and (3) VA has not reviewed the quality of the counseling provided.