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 office 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 19% Aw aiting Trial Civil Commits 48% County Sentenced State Sentenced 27% 6%
Days Incarcerated of Inmates/Detainees/Civil Commits Requesting Peer Support 4% 21% 0-14 days 24% 15-30 31-90 91-180 11% 181-365 366+ Unknow n 13% 16% 11%
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
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