This pilot study will examine the practices of Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) in assisting parents involved in the child welfare system due to substance use. In collaboration with Santa Maria Hostel, the study will identify promising strategies that PRSS use to facilitate family reunification, reduce parental stress, and increase engagement in recovery programs. Led by Rebecca Gomez (Ph.D., Social Work) with co-investigators Barbara Ball (Ph.D., Art Education) and Monica Faulkner (Ph.D., Social Work), this research aims to establish a scalable model for integrating peer support into child welfare systems nationwide.
