Justice Support Services
What are Justice Support Services?
Our Justice Support program assists individuals who are incarcerated, on probation or dealing with court systems with developing personal recovery plans, finding and utilizing community resources, accessing community based behavioral health supports and more. We provide programming onsite at the Ithaca Recovery and Wellness Court, Tompkins County Probation Department and by appointment at the MHA offices. Peer Specialists who work for this program have specialized training with the criminal justice system. They serve not only as mentors but also as sources of hope and inspiration to people who are beginning their journeys to recovery.
For more information contact our Justice Services Coordinator and Peer Specialist, Larry Albro at lalbro@mhaedu.org or call (607) 273-9250.
How Can Our Justice Support Services Help?
We offer non judgemental crisis support, emotional support and relapse prevention. Our Peer Specialist may help:
Identify and develop personal strengths that can assist you with maintaining recovery goals and managing mental illness.
Build peer relationships and create stronger natural support networks.
Enhance social skills allowing you to live, work and participate more fully in your communities.
Navigate community services and resources.
Educate stakeholders in the criminal justice system about mental health recovery
Advocate for recipients when they are unable to advocate for themselves.
What is a Peer Specialist?
All Peer Specialists in New York State need to meet specific requirements: at least 18 years of age, high school diploma, 18 on-line courses/exams, and publicly (self-determined) acknowledgment that the individual has been in the past, or is now, using mental health services. Certification also requires completing 2,000 hours of supervised peer specialist work.
MHA Peer Specialists are trained and certified through the NYS Academy of Peer Services. Training to be a Peer Specialist is currently available at no cost through The Academy of Peer Services. The certification can be accomplished on your own, however, you will need a supervisor to verify your work hours you are as a Peer Specialist.
If you are interested in becoming a Peer Specialist, the staff at MHA can help assist you with understanding the requirements for certification, on-line access to coursework and we may be able to provide supervision for your peer specialist work.
Learn more at New York Peer Specialist or Academy of Peer Services.