Embedding Evidenced-Based Peer Specialist Services From the Inside Out

Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) offer an evidenced-based practice through an innovative approach to address substance use and mental health disorders inside correctional settings and upon community reentry. PRSS are recognized as paraprofessionals through a certifying body that follows ethical guidelines and standards of practice. Those involved in the reentry process have helped lower recidivism risk by helping others increase engagement and participation with treatment and court obligations. Individuals involved with PRSS self-report reductions in substance use behaviors, including opioid use. Peer support also has shown success helping people re-entering the community continue medication-assisted treatment (MAT) after being inducted on medication for opioid use disorder (OUD) while incarcerated or detained. PRSS with lived experience with OUD help to provide support, transportation assistance, and linkages to workforce development opportunities to improve recently released individuals’ overall quality of life. PRSS are a core element of a recovery-oriented system of care built upon a mutually supportive community of peers who support each other by promoting fidelity to peer recovery ethics, values, and principles.

This session will feature the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections' standout peer program embedded throughout all state prisons, which serves to reduce trauma of incarceration, supplement existing recovery services, provide evidenced-based practices to address substance use and co-occurring disorders, and improve reintegration opportunities including support for continued MAT and other treatment. Their model includes establishing a sustainable approach designed to create a community culture transformation through modelling, demonstrating evidence of overcoming behavioral challenges, and empowering all involved to effectuate pro-social change.