Peer Support Within the Criminal Justice System: Forensic Peer Support
Peer Support within the Criminal Justice System (FPS) offers a person-centered, strength-based support system offered to individuals with mental health and/or co-occurring challenges becomes involved in the justice system. This curriculum is structured based on the Sequential Intercept Model with initial contact with law enforcement all the way through re-entry into the community after release from incarceration.
What does a Forensic Peer do?
- Support people during their involvement during the criminal justice system
- Promote recovery principles including self-advocacy
- Advocate for recipients of behavioral health care when they are unable to advocate for themselves
- Educate all stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System about Mental Health Recovery
- Inspire hope through shared life experiences
Appropriate setting for Forensic Peer Support
- Crisis Intervention Teams
- State Hospitals
- Emergency Rooms
- Jails/Prisons
- Courts/Specialty Courts
- Halfway Houses
- Mental Health Offices
- Community Settings
Time: 3-day Training or 18-hours
Number of People: 25
- On March 17th, 2025 thru March 19th 2025, PMHCA will hold a Peer Support Within The Criminal Justice System Training virtually from 9 am to 4:30 pm. You must be a CPS/CRS/CFRS and have lived experience in the criminal justice system to apply. Individuals will be notified of their acceptance into the class on February 25th, 2025. Priority will be given to individuals with high scores on the application in the following counties: Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, and York. The cost for the course is $270/members and $300/non-members, as this is not a grant supported class. Please apply here!
