Forensic Peer Specialists: Partners for Effective Re-entry and Recovery-Presentation and Q&A

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the video, Dr. Amy Cohen introduces the SMI Advisor webinar on forensic peer specialists. SMI Advisor is an initiative focused on implementing evidence-based care for those living with serious mental illness. The webinar offers continuing education credits for physicians, psychologists, and social workers. Dr. Cohen introduces the faculty for the webinar, Lindsay Sizemore and George Brott, who have extensive experience in peer workforce development and forensic mentoring. Lindsay Sizemore shares her personal journey of recovery and how she now works as a Forensic Peer Mentoring Training Project Director. George Brott discusses the forensic peer mentor training program and the importance of the crime desistance theory. They describe the various activities and resources involved in the program, including re-entry checklists and individualized recovery plans. The impact of forensic peer mentors in reducing recidivism and psychiatric hospital readmissions is discussed. They highlight the success of the program in reaching thousands of individuals and expanding to different facilities and courts. They also mention the development of a family recovery program. The webinar concludes with a discussion on the role of peers in the emergency room and the importance of peer support throughout the continuum of care. The audience is encouraged to reach out for further information and resources. Overall, the webinar emphasizes the value of forensic peer specialists in promoting recovery, community safety, and reducing stigma associated with mental illness and criminal justice involvement.

Keywords

SMI Advisor

forensic peer specialists

evidence-based care

peer workforce development

recovery journey

crime desistance theory

re-entry checklists

individualized recovery plans

reducing recidivism

peer support