Forensic peer support involves trained peer specialists with histories of mental illness (including substance use) and justice involvement helping those with similar histories. This type of support requires special attention to the needs of justice-involved people with mental illness, including an understanding of the impact of the culture of incarceration on behavior. Recognition of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder, prevalent among this population, is critical. Forensic Peer Specialists embody the potential for
recovery for people who confront the dual stigmas associated with serious mental illnesses and justice system involvement. Forensic peer specialists are able to provide critical aid to persons before law enforcement contact, throughout the adjudication phase, and through the stages of re-entry, recovery, rehabilitation and re-integration back into the community.