Across the U.S., there is a national effort to increase the implementation of peer support services within county jails. In the Harris County Jail's mental health programs, peer support services create guided paths for incarcerated individuals and provide incarcerated individuals with strategies for achieving independence and linking them to community resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Through this presentation, attendees will learn about the development and implementation of a peer support program and the benefits of incorporating peer support as a method for reducing recidivism and promoting prosocial behavior.

Educational Objectives

• Describe key components in the development of a peer support program
• Identify the internal and external supports needed to implement a peer support program
• Describe the advantages and challenges of introducing a peer support program in a jail

Level:Basic