Peer Support in Corrections and Reentry: A Systematic Review of the Literature

• In Event: Exploring the Future of Reentry: Emerging Research, Policy, and Practice Issues

Abstract

Peer support, a form of mentorship where individuals with shared lived experiences provide guidance and assistance to others facing similar challenges, has demonstrated efficacy in the fields of psychology, education, and behavioral health. However, a focused examination on carceral contexts has not recently been conducted. This presentation highlights findings from a systematic literature review that assesses the utility of peer support programs with justice-involved individuals and proposes implications for policy, practice, and research, thereby contributing to the dialogue surrounding the value of peer support in improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals. It also describes the uses of peer support in corrections and reentry settings (e.g., timing and dosage of service provision, primary targeted needs), evidence of impacts of peer support programs (e.g., for mental health and well-being, recidivism, post-release employment, access to community resources), and the implementation challenges peer support models encounter (e.g., program fidelity, resource constraints, organizational cultures) encounter, and information related to cost-effectiveness and scalability. While peer support is often promoted as a strategy for addressing the needs of individuals experiencing incarceration and transitioning to community life, more research is needed to elucidate guidance on best practices, optimize program design, and detail outcomes.

Authors

• Hannah Cortina, RTI International

• Luke Muentner, RTI International