A Pilot Program of a Peer Support Group by and for Formerly Incarcerated Women

Online Publication Date:
October 24, 2024
Publication Status:
Awaiting Publication
Manuscript PDF File:

**Forthcoming in Progress in Community Health Partnerships (PCHP) 19.1. All rights reserved.**

ABSTRACT

Background: Women leaving incarceration face numerous barriers to reentry, including lack of social support, mental health conditions, and trauma.
Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of developing and implementing a peer-support group by and for formerly incarcerated women (FIW).
Methods: A draft peer support curriculum was developed and refined based on a focus group with FIW. The program was implemented, and participants engaged in a follow-up focus group to provide feedback.
Results: Participants reported several benefits of participation, positive experiences regarding program logistics and content, and they valued having an FIW as the facilitator.
Conclusions: A peer support intervention by and for FIW was well-received. Additional research is needed to assess whether such an intervention can improve mental health among FIW.