Mission and Values
Using our lived criminal justice system experiences and associated trauma, mental health and substance use challenges, Forensic Peer Support Specialists (FPS) foster individual healing and wellness while promoting recovery-oriented justice system reform to reduce recidivism and the over-representation of others with similar lived experiences in each intercept of the criminal justice system.
Who We Are
Nothing about us without us!
The Peer Justice Initiative (PJI) Coalition is comprised of NC CPSS that have experience with the criminal and/or juvenile justice systems, family members of system involved people, our ally's, and stake holders, that are committed to advancing the intentional and authentic use of forensically trained and credentialed PSS throughout all “intercepts” of the Sequential Intercept Model of (criminal) justice systems.
As indicated by PJI’s membership, NC CPSS’s with lived (criminal) justice experience are currently working in environments throughout the state, as Peer Support Specialists, in Wellness and Recovery Courts, Felony Diversion, MAT within jails, facilitating classes, providing support in jails and prisons, and supporting re-entry while incarcerated and upon release. NC CPSS with this lived experience work with Stepping Up Initiatives, Criminal Justice Services, local, statewide and national Re-Entry Councils, FIT programs, returning citizen organizations, housing, and are actively engaged in policy work such as “Ban the Box.”
The first Forensic Peer Support Training, Cohort 1g
Forensic Peer Support Training, Cohort 2
Forensic Peer Support Training, Cohort 3
The first Forensic Peer Support Training, Cohort 1g
Elevate the voices and expertise of CPSS that have been directly involved in criminal and juvenile justice systems,
Advance awareness, credibility and career ladders for CPSS that have previous “justice” system involvement,
Create training and credentialing for Forensic Peer Support in NC
Support Us
Our strength is amplified with collective action, and you can help make a difference with PJI right now! The support we receive is a huge driver of the good work we do in addressing some of society’s most challenging problems. Get in touch today and join our community in making a lasting impact.
Join the Group
This is one of the simplest ways to help out our cause. We believe the best way for our initiatives to be successful is for the community to actively get involved. This is an easy and efficient way of contributing to the great work we are doing as PJI members.
PJI Work and Resource
Below are documents that PJI has created since its inception and work we have done as we continue to push our agenda forward across the state
FPS Trainer Resources
Below are documents for Forensic Peer Support Trainers