Impact Georgia Magazine - Regaining Momentum Spring 2021 | Page 18

IMPACT GEORGIA MAGAZINE IMPACT IMPACT GEORGIA GEORGIA MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE

Beyond Trauma

The Peer Support

Beginning a career in corrections , no matter the position , is unlike any other . Staff often face varying obstacles and challenges that are unique to a correctional setting . As the agency saw the need arising for staff to have an outlet to discuss these unique challenges , they worked together to develop the Georgia Department of Corrections Peer Support Team ( PST ).
PST members are uniquely qualified through their personal experiences and recovery from trauma . They are vetted through the PST building process and trained by the Georgia Peer Support Leaders . PST members utilize their background , training , and skill-set to fulfill a vital role in helping traumatized staff navigate through recovery to become stronger personally and professionally . While offering small group and individual support for officers , staff , and agencies who are coping with difficult situations , the goal is to prevent staff from turning to negative or dangerous coping methods .
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