November 2nd, 2026
1pm - 2pm

Join NAMI NYS’s Lunch and Learn series—a monthly webinar designed to help advocates better understand key mental health policy issues.

A Justice Peer is generally a person with lived experience of the criminal justice system who uses that experience to support and advocate for others involved with the system.

Depending on the program, a Justice Peer may:

• Provide peer support to people who are incarcerated, recently released, on probation/parole, or otherwise involved with the justice system.
• Help people navigate services, including mental health care, substance use treatment, housing, employment, benefits, and other community resources.
• Build trust between individuals and service providers by drawing on their own experiences.
• Advocate for the individual's needs and goals while helping them make informed decisions.
• Support reentry and recovery, including helping people develop connections to community-based services.
• Reduce isolation and stigma by demonstrating that successful recovery and reintegration are possible.

 

The key distinction from a traditional social worker, clinician, or probation officer is that a Justice Peer's role is grounded primarily in lived experience and peer-to-peer support, rather than clinical treatment or supervision.

A Justice Peer can be particularly valuable for people with mental health or substance use needs who are involved with the criminal justice system. They can help bridge the gap between the person, behavioral health providers, courts, and community services.

Bring your lunch, your questions, and your perspective.