Discussion on DVS targets for engagement and intake process improvements
Mata discusses DVS targets for increasing engagement, emphasizing the need to understand veterans holistically beyond just military status. She wants to develop intake processes that capture gender identity and background with input from LGBTQ+ veteran advocates.
Does DVS have a target for increasing engagement with LGBTQ plus veterans?
Absolutely.
As Nicole mentioned, that is something that DVS in the past has not collected.
Again, the type of environment DVS wants to create or is creating is to ensure that
Veterans feel welcome at DBS and that they get the support that they need.
Again, veterans come for different types of services.
However, as the new commissioner, I understand the importance of data, the importance of understanding the veteran holistically other than just a veteran or only just to keep in,
only just put the veteran in one box of just thinking of them as military.
We understand that they come from different backgrounds.
Even, for example, we belong to different boroughs, and even I prefer getting my services as a Staten Islander.
I also am a bit different than people that are in Brooklyn and Queens or Bronx, right?
It's just based on the location that you live in.
So at DVS, I do want to do an intake process or intake documentation where.
We not only understand that they're veterans, but that we know, like, for example,
What's their type of gender identity?
Also, their background.
It's learning about the veteran holistically.
However, if we are going to do an intake and provide that question, I do want to ensure that it comes from advocates themselves and that we have them at the table and that they...
Tell us how the question should be in the intake.
So it's going to take, I do want to ensure that we can have the LGBTQ plus veterans at the table so they could help us understand how can the LGBTQ plus veteran community can better self-identify.