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In 2012, the National Association of Peer Specialist (NAPS) embarked upon an inclusive process, with assistance from a panel convened by SAMHSA, to establish Practice Standards for the emerging profession of Peer Support, as a first step in a possible national credential. Following a series of national focus groups and surveys, in which over 1000 peer support providers participated, 98% agreed with the core values and practice guidelines, which were published in the summer of 2013.
With the continued growth of the peer workforce since 2013, increased attention has turned to supervision of peer support workers (also known as peer support specialists). The Supervision Workgroup drafted National Practice Guidelines for Peer Specialists and Supervisors (NPG-S), identifying supervisors’ roles in helping peer staff uphold the core values of the 2013 National Practice Guidelines for Peer Supporters.