Rehabilitation Programs Division
Peer Support Services
To encourage inmates to follow a path that will bring many recovery minded individuals to the forefront of supporting others in recovery by providing peer support services.
The focus of the program is to develop qualified peer support specialists to work within the correctional and community substance use treatment setting.
Peer support providers work to narrow the gap between recovery and the resources needed to maintain recovery.
Peer Support Coach Program
Select inmates who meet specific qualifications may apply to attend peer support specialist training to become a Peer Support Coach. This course focuses on recovery issues and how trainees can assist other inmates achieve recovery by utilizing their own lived experience. *
After the initial 46-hour class, trainees will undergo 500 hours of supervised work experience, followed by an exam and a 25-hour practicum to demonstrate proficiency in the peer support domains. Upon successful completion, the trainee may be eligible to receive peer support credentials through the Texas Certification Board.
Once credentials are received, the trainee will become a full-time Peer Support Coach, and use the skills gained during training to inspire their peers to success by demonstrating resilience and recovery in a way that empowers them to see their own potential.
In addition to helping others, this opportunity serves as a stepping stone for inmates who are interested in continuing their education for a future career in the field of recovery following release.
* An inmate who currently holds peer support credentials from a recognized certification entity may also apply to become a Peer Support Coach.
Peer Support Volunteer Program
An individual who holds peer support credentials from a recognized certification entity may apply to become a Peer Support Volunteer and provide peer support services through an existing program.
A former inmate or ex-offender, including releasees on supervision, may apply as a Peer Support Volunteer three months after release. (Those in the process of obtaining peer support credentials may apply as a Sponsored Volunteer six months after release.)
An individual or community-based organization providing peer support services or training may establish a new or expanded program by submitting a program proposal form.
Texas Recovery Initiative - Criminal Justice Population Resource Guide
The guide was developed to assist individuals who provide Recovery Support Services (RSS) in identifying statewide services for the criminal justice population. The guide assists peer recovery specialists by linking those in recovery to positive recovery services throughout the state of Texas.
- Texas Recovery Initiative Resource Guide (English, PDF)
- Texas Recovery Initiative Resource Guide (Spanish, PDF)
For additional resources, the TDCJ Reentry and Integration Division also provides a Reentry Resource Guide.
Contact:
Andrea Canul – Deputy Director of Substance Use Programs
TDCJ - Rehabilitation Programs Division
PO Box 99
Huntsville, TX 77342
Phone: (936) 437-2854
Fax: (936) 437-7077