Peer Support Program (PSP) Jennifer Korn, LICSW Mental Health - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

MCI-Framingham Peer Support Program (PSP)

 Jennifer Korn, LICSW

Mental Health Director

 Whitney Kraemer, LMHC

• Asst. Mental Health Director

 Elaine Coggins, LICSW

RTU Coordinator

History of PSP

 12/2010 - SAMHSA grants funding to DMH/DOC for

trauma training. 250 MCI-F staff trained to understand the impact of trauma on behavior.

 3/2011 - Inmates (30) and staff (10) attend a 2 day

peer support training from the National Trauma Center.

 4/2011 - Inmate peer supporters offer services via

• ffice hours, on call or request process.

 5/2012 - Inmate peer supporters begin providing

services to inmates housed in the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU).

What is PSP?

A peer-based program that enables specially chosen and trained inmates to provide general support to their peers within the institutional environment.

Who are Peer Supporters?

 Participants must demonstrate:

– a commitment to training and support – an ability to acknowledge problems and difficulties that may arise in a listening role – a successful adjustment to incarceration – the ability to follow rules and regulations of the institution – capacity for empathy and non-judgmental support – understanding of limits of confidentiality and site specific process to mental health professionals

Training for Peer Supporters

 Initial 2 day training from The National

Trauma Center

 Ongoing

– Annual refresher trainings from The National Trauma Center – Monthly supervision group with MCI-F mental health staff – As needed, by request, individual support

Peer Support Services

 Office Hours  ITU group  RTU group  On-call  Orientation  PSP newsletter

Who utilizes Peer Supporters?

Status of Individuals Requesting Peer Support 48% 6% 27% 19% Aw aiting Trial Civil Commits County Sentenced State Sentenced

Days Incarcerated of Inmates/Detainees/Civil Commits Requesting Peer Support

21% 11% 16% 11% 13% 24% 4% 0-14 days 15-30 31-90 91-180 181-365 366+ Unknow n

What are the incentives?

 Movie night every 3rd Sunday  PSP T shirts  Annual appreciation night  Annual certificates  Intrinsic rewards

Areas for further research

 Perception of effectiveness of PSP contact  Impact of peer support contact on:

– Disciplinary reports – Short/Long term symptom management – Adjustment – Crisis utilization – Self-injurious behavior