PEER SUPPORT WE ARE THE PEOPLE WE SERVE Pamela Butler Recovery Resource Coordinator Alabama Department of Mental Health 334-353-4362 pamela.butler@mh.alabama.gov
Objective Define peer support Define peer support services Strategies to utilize peer services in the criminal justice system
PEER SUPPORT The act of people who have had similar experiences with substance use disorders and/or mental illnesses. The lived experience allows for a peer to provide encouragement, hope, assistance, guidance, and understanding to aid in the person in being successful. It can be done anytime or anywhere when two or more peers are in a mutual, supportive relationship.
VALUE OF PEER SUPPORT The human element provides empathy through the shared experience of those fighting the same battle. Lived experience establishes a connection. The mutual experience allows for people to be with each other without the constraints of traditional expert/patient relationships.
PEER SUPPORT SERVICES A range of non-clinical professional supportive services to facilitate the process of goal obtaining and holistic wellness. These services can be done anytime or anywhere when two or more peers are in a mutual, supportive relationship individually or a group setting.
PEER SUPPORT SERVICES Peer support services include but are not limited to: Basic living skills education Peer led support groups Peer mentoring Connection to needed resources Crisis support
PEER SUPPORT SERVICES Assisting in: Identifying barriers Connecting to community health, social services and self-help groups Identifying warning signs that lead to negative behaviors Preventive behaviors Reconnecting to family and community
PEER SUPPORT SERVICES Assist in developing Basic living skills Self-esteem and confidence Recreation and social opportunities Self-help and self-advocacy skills Crisis resolution, problem solving, and goal setting skills
PEER SUPPORT SERVICES Screening/intake Connection to resources Housing Employment Job readiness training Education Physical and mental health Food Clothing Transportation Criminal justice requirements
PEER DRIVEN SERVICES The lived experience is the most valuable tool a peer possess. Please consider the following when matching. Gender Age Education Ethnicity Lived Experience
PEER SUPPORT SERVICES Peer support services must promote: Many pathways to recovery Self-directed care Recovery-oriented care Self-advocacy A strength-based approach Relationship enhancement Based on peer support philosophy
PEER SUPPORT PHILOSOPHY Utilizing a strength-based approach to provide needed services that nurture self-direction, empowerment, and choice. The primary goal is to build hope for recovery to individuals with a substance use disorder and/or mental illness.
Workforce Development, Training, and Certification Summary of Goals: Establish protocols to demonstrate the effectiveness of the state s utilization of peer support specialists in expanding service access, facilitating care transitions, enhancing treatment retention, and thereby improving the overall health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use or co-occurring disorders. Pilot test the organized use of trained and credentialed peer support specialists with at least one underserved population, monitor service implementation, and evaluate service impact.
Qualifications: (CRSS) Have a minimum of two (2) years of continuous demonstrated recovery time from a substance use disorder at the date of application. Willing to self-identify as a person in recovery for the benefit of others. High school diploma or GED. Possess a valid driver s license.
Strategies to Utilize Peers Sharing lived experience with previous criminal charges Connection to needed resources Assist in navigating the different system Serve on teams to offer the peer perspective Reduce recidivism, and assist with success in re-entering the community
Problems Utilizing Peers A lack of clear job and service descriptions that define specific duties that allow peers to use their recovery and wellness experiences to help others recover. The lack of opportunities for the peer workforce development to help identify and prepare candidates for participation in the training and certification process.
QUESTIONS PLEASE??? Pamela Butler Recovery Resource Coordinator Alabama Department of Mental Health 334-353-4362 pamela.butler@mh.alabama.gov