Enacting Lived Experiences: Peer Specialists With Criminal Justice Histories

Objective: Peer specialists are frequently employed in mental health settings, with growing evidence for positive impact on subjective aspects of recovery. As more individuals within the mental health system have criminal justice involvement, peer specialists with incarceration histories are increasingly important, yet little is known about how their experiences with the criminal justice system factor into their work. This study sought to understand the experiences of peer specialists with criminal justice histories and how they incorporate these experiences into their work. Methods: Purposive and snowball sampling was employed to recruit graduates from a peer training program. Three in-depth interviews were conducted each with 15 peer specialists who had incarceration experiences. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that Having and Sharing Lived Experiences formed the basis of their work as peer specialists. On this foundation, participants expounded on their specialized contributions in their work as peer specialists: Engagement, Priority of Relationship, Instilling Hope, and Providing an Alternative Service. Participants' criminal justice histories influenced how they approached their work, especially around using disclosure, developing relationships, and instilling hope. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Peer specialists with incarceration histories may be a critical component toward recovery for consumers with criminal justice involvement. Impact and Implications The article contributes to knowledge on the important aspects of peer support services and begins to examine the unique contributions of peer specialists with incarceration histories. Understanding the aspects of peer support services will help to not only design training programs that focus on the unique contributions of peer specialists, but also guide their placement in positions where they can be the most effective. Additionally, gaining knowledge about the unique contributions of peer specialists with incarceration histories can help to guide interventions for those with mental illnesses and criminal justice involvement.