Partnering with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Gather, Assess, Integrate, Network and Stimulate Center, as well as incarcerated individuals, the department is developing a forensic-based approach, specifically targeting and training CPSSs to work with peers who have been exposed to trauma.
CPSSs can be utilized to augment staff efforts to effectively support special needs offenders, thus enhancing their own recovery and wellness.
Several CPSSs have been hired after release from Pennsylvania's institutions as peer specialists.