Peer Supported Reentry Program for Incarcerated Individuals with Behavioral Health Disorders-View Presentation Slides

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The 2025 American Psychiatric Association hosted a webinar on July 23, 2020, focusing on peer-supported re-entry programs for individuals with behavioral health disorders who have been incarcerated. The event, offering continuing education credits for various fields, emphasized the critical role of peer support in the successful reintegration of these individuals into society.<br /><br />The webinar highlighted the persistent challenge of re-incarceration among individuals with behavioral health issues and reviewed the "R.E.A.L." program—Respond, Empower, Advocate, Listen. This initiative, facilitated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Mental Health Association of Nebraska (MHA-NE), provides voluntary assistance from trained peer specialists with lived experience in mental illness and/or substance abuse. Since its inception in 2011, over 3,000 referrals have been made, demonstrating notable success with about 85% of engaged individuals accepting services.<br /><br />The presentation underscored the vital role of lived experience in building trust and navigating the complex barriers ex-incarcerated individuals face, such as employment, housing, and accessing necessary services. The trauma-informed approach was emphasized, recognizing incarceration's severe psychological impact.<br /><br />Peer support programs like those at MHA-NE and Honu House were showcased as effective models. MHA-NE, a peer-operated organization, offers various services including employment support via the H.O.P.E program, and housing through dedicated facilities like Keya House. Their comprehensive approach, providing support from re-entry to employment and community integration, has demonstrated significant engagement and success in reducing re-incarceration.<br /><br />In conclusion, the webinar advocated for continued support and funding of peer-led, trauma-informed programs and highlighted the potential of such initiatives to provide sustainable recovery pathways for individuals exiting the criminal justice system.

Keywords

peer-supported re-entry

behavioral health disorders

R.E.A.L. program

Lincoln Police Department

Mental Health Association of Nebraska

trauma-informed approach

lived experience

re-incarceration

H.O.P.E program

community integration