WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT

It is the mission of the Peer Support Program to offer information and support to those staff involved in critical incidents.

The California Peer Support Association  defines a critical incident as an event, which is outside the normal human experience. Examples include shootings, severe injury, gun take away, child deaths and staff or family suicides. Post-traumatic stress is one of the most common by-products of these events and is defined as a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Symptoms include physical ailments as well as emotional responses, such as anger  and   the feeling of helplessness and fear. 

It is helpful if the person affected understands the physiological response (time distortion, altered visual and auditory perceptions) that occurs during and immediately after a critical incident. It is also important to realize that not all individuals experience or react to an event in the same way.

Peer Support is a process where a person discusses a personal issue with a nonprofessional, usually a friend or a co-worker. A person will select a peer supporter primarily based upon trust. They must only share problems with someone considered credible, able to listen without judgment and capable of maintaining confidentiality.

Peer Support members have the responsibility to understand their role and limitations, and are trained to know when it is appropriate to refer an individual to professional resources. They are required to attend 24 hours of Critical Incident Stress Management Training initially and complete an additional eight hours of training annually.   

   ☎ 1-800-222-9691

• Immediate telephonic consultation/assistance in crisis situations 24-hours a day
• Critical incident response at the request of a supervisor
• Counseling and referral services
• Assistance to supervisors in referring employees whose personal problems are affecting their job performance
• Training (Workshops) and resource material on a variety of subjects
• Web access to additional services and resources.

They can help with many issues, including the following:

• Marital & Family Problems
• Stress / Burnout
• Anger Management
• Separation / Divorce
• Parenting Skills
• Suicide Prevention & Intervention
• Grief / Bereavement
• Depression
• Substance Abuse
• Child / Spouse Abuse

Fees associated with TCTI counseling services are paid for by the Probation Department via a Board of Supervisors approved contract between TCTI and Chief Probation Officer Reece.