Us helping us: The evolution of a peer support group for formerly incarcerated people

Abstract

IntroductionPhysical, psychological, and emotional trauma experienced while incarcerated influences subsequent mental health outcomes. Upon release, there is a fragmented landscape of mental health services and many of the existing services do not account for the root causes of challenges faced by formerly incarcerated people (FIP). To address the unmet social, psychological, behavioral, and emotional needs of FIP in Louisiana, the Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) Group developed a twelve-unit curriculum in 2019.MethodsWe detail the evolution, development, and evaluation of the FIPS Group program. Additionally, we describe the community-driven process for developing the curriculum.ResultsThe FIPS Group has grown from informal meetings of a handful of FIP in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a multi-state, interdisciplinary network of more than 150 stakeholders. FIPS Group has developed the only peer support curriculum we are aware of that is designed by FIP, for FIP, and uses the shared experience of incarceration and reentry as its organizing principle. Limitations of the model include the lack of pending evaluation data and challenges with technological proficiency among FIP.ConclusionsThe FIPS Group model may be generalized in a number of settings. Similar approaches may benefit the mental health of the millions of Americans involved in the criminal-legal system.

Harnessing education and lifestyle change to support transitional health for returning citizens: a feasibility study protocol

“…For those who have family, it may be difficult and stressful to re-integrate into the family unit, particularly if the circumstances resulting in incarceration occurred within the family or if the offense is deemed shameful by the family [9]. Thus, instead of relying on family support, many seek support from programs specifically designed for them [10]. Reentry programs, through their comprehensive programming, offer returning citizens a trusted system of support for navigating community life [10].…”

“…Thus, instead of relying on family support, many seek support from programs specifically designed for them [10]. Reentry programs, through their comprehensive programming, offer returning citizens a trusted system of support for navigating community life [10]. Many staff members of community reentry programs are returning citizens themselves; thus, they can understand the challenges and stigma faced by returning citizens and provide help in managing their health [10].…”

Harnessing Education & Lifestyle Change to Support Transitional Health for Returning Citizens: A Feasibility Study Protocol

“…For those who have family, it may be di cult and stressful to re-integrate into the family unit, particularly if the circumstances resulting in incarceration occurred within the family or if the offense is deemed shameful by the family [9]. Thus, instead of relying on family support, many seek support from programs speci cally designed for them [10]. Reentry programs, through their comprehensive programming, offer returning citizens a trusted system of support for navigating community life [10].…”

“…Thus, instead of relying on family support, many seek support from programs speci cally designed for them [10]. Reentry programs, through their comprehensive programming, offer returning citizens a trusted system of support for navigating community life [10]. Many staff members of community reentry programs are returning citizens themselves; thus, they can understand the challenges and stigma faced by returning citizens and provide help in managing their health [10].…”