The percentage of individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders in prisons is significantly greater than is found in the general public. This results in a continuation of poor outcomes for the individuals and the system. Upon release they frequently lack access to services and are caught up in a cycle of re-incarceration and release. Outcomes that are focused on recovery and breaking this cycle require continuity of quality services in the transition back to the community. In this webinar we will discuss peer led reentry programs that begin within the institutions in release planning and preparation and then bridge the transition back to the community and continue to provide support that helps break the cycle of re-incarceration. We will discuss a highly successful program, R.E.A.L., provided by the Mental Health Association of Nebraska, and examine how peer outreach workers are able to assist individuals in becoming productive members of their communities.
Presenters: