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Peer, Family Peer, & Community Peer Support

ValueOptions is committed to the principles of recovery and resiliency.

Overview of Peer Program

• Individuals who understand behavioral health and/or substance abuse through lived experience, either personally, or with a family member who has received those services • Identify specific and system-wide barriers to care • Record and report collected information to all those seeking improvement in the CT Recovery network • Develop strong relationships that enable support and educational programming

Peer Support

• Explain mental health and substance use services • Assist members with finding an appropriate provider • Connect members to community resources and supports • Help members apply for programs • Inform members of their rights and responsibilities • Encourage members to focus on their strengths and abilities • Teach self-advocacy skills to empower the member/family • Support members & families to engage in treatment • Assist ER diversion to a more appropriate response • Ease member’s transition home from out of home placement

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Recovery and Resiliency Model

• Engages a person’s abilities, strengths and goals in the recovery process • Encourages members to include family, friends, natural supports and community resources in all aspects of their treatment planning

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Member-Centered, Family and Community-Focused Care

• Uses a team approach that often includes Intensive Care Management collaboration (ICM) to build support based on Member’s strengths, abilities and needs (which include mental, physical emotional, spiritual, cultural, social and medical) • • • Recognizes family and community resources as primary supports Empowers the family and/or individual to advocate for themselves Recognizes all families don’t look alike, and may include biological, adoptive and foster members • Understands meaningful development of mental health policy at state and local levels must include family representation

Peer, Family Peer and Community Peer Support Specialists

Peer Training

Peer, Family Peer, and Community Peer Support staff initially qualify via their personal, lived experience within the behavioral health care system Peers receive core trainings that enhance coaching methods, subject matter specialty, and personal development. Recovery Coach Academy (CT Community for Addition Recovery) Wellness Recovery Action Plan – Mary Ellen Copeland (adult focus) 6

The CT BHP Website (cont)

For Members:

– Member Handbook – ReferralConnect – Member Brochures – Notices – Local and National Resources – FAQs – Events/Trainings – Achieve Solutions

Thank You!

Questions?