Peer Support Program
The staff Peer Support Program (PSP) consists of volunteer custody and non-custody staff who have the desire and passion to help their fellow staff in a time of need. PSP members have received extensive training in empathy, psychological first aid, critical incident response, active listening, and best practices for peer-to-peer support programs. The PSP serves to provide an empathic listening ear and facilitate pathways to professional help, or as a result of the following situations:
- Physical assault.
- Sexual assault.
- Hostage incident.
- Causing injury or death to person(s).
- Illness, death, and suicide.
- Substance use.
- Personal Stress; or
- Involvement in onsite and offsite critical incidents.
PSP members are available at each CDCR and CCHCS location and consists of volunteer custody and non-custody staff who are trained and have the desire and passion to help staff in a time of need.
Contact Information
Office of Employee Wellness Peer Support Program
CDCRPeerSupport@cdcr.ca.gov
Statewide Peer Support Manager & Statewide Peer Support Coordinator
Ashton Peterson
916-217-5328
CDCRPeerSupport@cdcr.ca.gov
Department of Defense Resources and Services:
- United States Military Benefits page – for active, reserve, and veteran service members
- The United States Department of Defense – for active, reserve, and veteran service members
- The California Department of Veterans Affairs:
- The United States Department of Veterans Affairs:
- Military OneSource – information, resources and support for many aspects of military life
- Real Warriors Campaign – initiative launched by DCoE to promote the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery and supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans and their families
- Veterans Crisis Line – connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text
Military Support Services, Organizations and Agencies:
- Zero to Three – military and veteran families support
- Hidden Heroes – a resource site for military caregivers
- Blue Star Families – a group of military family members that bridges the gap between military family communities and the general public
- Everyone Serves Handbook – a supportive guide to pre-, current, and post-deployment for the service member family provided by Blue Star Families
- National Military Family Association – advocacy group for military members and families. Member of the Defense Department’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership
Suicide Prevention / Intervention Program
This program is a component within the PSP that provides support, intervention, and appropriate resources to employees who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and emotions.