About us

Why Forensic Peer Support Programs are needed:

• Almost 1 in 5 incarcerated adults has a diagnosable serious mental illness, many with co-occurring alcohol and drug abuse problems.
• Approximately 1.9 million persons with serious mental illness enter U.S. jails annually; many continue to cycle repeatedly through the criminal justice system.
• The number of people returning home each year from prisons is estimated at 700,000, and justice-involved persons with psychiatric illnesses and addiction disorders face daunting barriers to recovery and reintegration.
•  Forensic Peer Specialists are persons with lived experiences, past or present of mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders, and criminal justice involvement helping those with similar histories. Peer Support is getting help from someone who has been there. People with similar experiences may be able to listen and give hope and guidance toward recovery in a different way but just as valuable as other services.

Who We Serve

  1. Youth and Young Adults 14 to 18

  2. Adults 18 years of age or older
    Resides in Allegheny County
    3. Has criminal justice involvement
    4. Agrees to peer support services
    5. Not currently receiving peer support services from another Peer Support Provider
    6. Has a severe and persistent mental illness
    7. Has a moderate to severe functional impairment that interferes with or limits role performance in at least one (1) of the following domains:

Is this program for you?

  1. Are you 14 to 18 years of age or older?
    1. Do you have involvement with the Criminal Justice System?
    2. Do you reside in Allegheny County?
    3. Have you been diagnosed with a mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorder?

Referrals

  1. Referrals can come from any of the following:
    1. Justice Related Services
    2. Probation/Parole Department
    3. Self-referral
    4. Schools, Hospitals and Clinics
  2. Must be recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts acting within the scope of practice to an individual who is 18 years of age or older.*
  3. A request for peer support services on behalf of an individual who is not a member of the adult priority group may be submitted to Community Care with supporting documentation for consideration.

* (Psychiatrist, MD, CRNP, PA)

Call RHD Allies at 412-652-9957 for a referral packet and to ask any additional questions about the program.

Contact us