Overcoming Barriers and Recognizing the Unique Value of Including Peer Support Specialists with Prior Justice Involvement in Recovery-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The SMI Advisor webinar, hosted by Dr. Amy Cohen, focused on overcoming barriers and recognizing the unique value of peer support specialists with prior justice involvement. The panel included experts like Amy Brinkley, Tony Sanchez, Justin Volpe, and Dr. Deb Pinals, each contributing insights from their respective fields. The webinar emphasized the importance of incorporating peer support in mental health and justice-involved settings, noting its potential to reduce recidivism and enhance community integration.<br /><br />Amy Brinkley discussed the history and current state of peer support services, highlighting that mutual aid societies for substance use and mental health date back centuries. She emphasized the role of advocacy in advancing these services and provided examples of states like Colorado and Georgia as models for legislation that supports peer integration. Tony Sanchez shared his personal journey from recovery to influencing policy change, explaining how Georgia developed a policy that allows for individualized assessments to enable peers with criminal backgrounds to work in behavioral health services.<br /><br />Justin Volpe shared his extensive experience working as a peer specialist in Miami's Jail Diversion Program, noting the significant reduction in recidivism rates due to peer engagement. Dr. Deb Pinals highlighted the importance of integrating peer support with professional treatment teams, emphasizing cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration.<br /><br />The session encouraged state agencies to develop peer programs within correctional and reentry systems, stressing the need for transparency and collaboration with legal authorities. The panel concluded by urging states to embrace the lived experiences of peers, ensuring that recovery is supported within the justice system.

Keywords

peer support specialists

justice involvement

mental health

recidivism reduction

community integration

policy change

legislation

behavioral health

reentry systems

cross-disciplinary collaboration