SJC Exchange Library

Persons with lived experience (peers) are increasingly becoming an integral part of the workforce in the criminal justice system. Peers are effectively working in crisis intervention programs, in jails and prisons, community supervision programs , problem solving courts, and reentry programs. These peer staff have personal experience in both the criminal and behavioral health systems. Programs utilizing peer staff report that peer staff are particularly effective in engaging program participants, making linkages with community based programs and successfully navigating both the criminal justice and behavioral health systems.

Many programs are interested in learning more about the recovery support services that peer staff can provide in the criminal justice system. They are also interested in learning more about strategies to effectively integrate peer staff in programs. This webinar highlights strategies to successfully integrate peer staff in the criminal justice system as well as the recovery support services that are most effective in reducing recidivism.

Our presenters are Michelle Keller, a peer working in the Behavioral Health Field as a BHT, CRSS @ the University of Arizona’s “Camp Wellness” program and her supervisor, Cheryl Glass. Both presenters work with people with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders in Pima County, Arizona, which is a MacArthur Safety and Justice Challenge Core site.
#alternatives
#reentry
#MentalHealth
#substanceabuse
#peersupports