Westchester Reporter

Westchester County’s second class of students has begun the Lives Forward Training Program at the Westchester County Jail. The Lives Forward program was designed to address the needs of local community-based mental health and addiction providers seeking certified peer counselors with criminal justice experience. Instructors from community-based organizations in Westchester County will teach these peers, who will then provide assistance, guidance, and support to those seeking recovery for mental health and/or addiction needs.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer stated: “There is great value in having the support of someone who has been through what you have been through. A sense of connection and camaraderie can help bolster your own drive toward success. I believe that this model will be a huge success, and we will soon see it being replicated in other parts of our state and country.”

The first class trained at the Westchester County Jail comprised 10 individuals who completed coursework to become eligible for exams to become a mental health “Peer Specialist” and a “Certified Recovery Peer Advocate.” All graduated in April, and upon release, they will finish certification testing to become fully certified and on a path for employment.

The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) conceived this program in collaboration with the Department of Correction, the Mental Health Empowerment Project (MHEP), and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Westchester.