Peer support programs

Abstract Peer support programs harness the expertise of individuals with lived experience of mental illness, substance use disorders, and criminal justice involvement to support the recovery of incarcerated persons facing similar challenges. Effective peer support programs take an approach that is person centered, voluntary, recovery oriented, relationship focused, and trauma informed. In correctional settings, trained peer specialists can serve as role models in recovery, encourage and facilitate access to care for mental illness and substance use disorders, support harm reduction strategies for individuals not interested in treatment, aid in community reentry planning, and educate staff about the experience of individuals with lived experience. Emerging evidence supports the efficacy of peer support programs in correctional settings despite the concerns about security sometimes cited in opposition, leading the Bureau of Justice Assistance and other national agencies to promote and fund the practice in recent years. Measures must be taken to ensure that peer support specialists are adequately trained and are not being asked inappropriately to replace staff functions, but when implemented properly, such programs can enhance individuals’ recovery during incarceration.