Predictors of Homeless Veterans' Irregular Discharge Status from a Domiciliary Care Program

More than half of participants in the nationwide Domiciliary Care for Homeless Program do not complete treatment (i.e., they receive an irregular discharge). This article examines factors associated with the successful completion of a domiciliary care program. Subjects included 367 homeless male veterans admitted to the Los Angeles VA Medical Center for treatment of medical, psychiatric, or substance disorders requiring rehabilitative treatment. Results indicated that irregular discharge was more likely among veterans who are black, have poor employment histories, or have problems with alcohol. These results can be used to identify persons with a higher likelihood of incomplete treatment and to help in the development of service packages directed at them.