PEER POWER: harnessing workforce dollars to scale youth peer support and transform schools
The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health and California Children's Trust recently released a new brief on the extraordinary effectiveness and benefits of peer support among middle and high-school-aged youth. The brief, titled Peer Power (P2P), illustrates the case for continued funding to implement school-based peer-to-peer programs. By allocating existing youth workforce development dollars towards school-based peer-to-peer programs we can support youth mental health, provide real world skills, and cultivate a more empathetic, health-conscience workforce.
Today we have a unique opportunity to enact systemic change as mental health awareness is at an all- time high, social justice movements are gaining momentum, and there is a political will to rethink how we address mental health fairly and equitably. California is investing billions into initiatives aimed at transforming health and education systems to ensure all young people can thrive.
The existing behavioral health system is inadequate, with many youths not receiving the necessary support. While students are experiencing increasing rates of anxiety, depression and suicide, schools are increasingly seen as key in addressing this crisis. Ongoing investments are crucial to the success of these school-based mental health services.
The P2P brief proposes leveraging ongoing education investments to establish a sustainable youth peer support system, emphasizing the unique benefits young peers can offer. While initial funding can kickstart peer-to-peer programs, ongoing funding mechanisms are essential for scalability. This approach not only supports youth mental health but also creates economic opportunities and fosters a more culturally sensitive behavioral health workforce. Overall, by seizing this opportunity to expand peer support, we can effectively address California's youth mental health needs.
At the heart of this vision lies the concept of culturally centered, community-driven care drawing inspiration from movements such as reproductive justice, disability justice, and Black liberation, emphasizing the importance of collective care for a healthy society. Peer support is highlighted as a crucial element in fostering a thriving behavioral health ecosystem, where young people can help each other navigate challenges. School-based peer support programs equip students with the tools to heal themselves and others, empowering them to effect positive change. Additionally, peer support offers opportunities for young people to find strength in their identities and experiences, bridging gaps in traditional healthcare roles.
By leveraging workforce investments to bring peer support to scale, schools can cultivate a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce. Continued workforce investment will enable new accessible career paths that include Peer Support Specialists, Community Health Workers and Wellness Coaches. These entry points into the healthcare sector are a gateway to a culturally concordant workforce.
Peer support operates on the principle that individuals feel more at ease discussing personal issues with peers who share similar experiences, correcting power imbalances often felt with clinicians or adults. Trained peers facilitate connections and share coping strategies, contributing to student wellness.
In a time marked by momentum for social justice and a renewed focus on youth mental health, the brief Peer Power offers a timely and insightful roadmap for change. Discover how investing in peer support can not only bolster mental health services but also foster economic opportunity and diversity in the healthcare workforce. Read the full brief to join the movement towards a brighter, more inclusive future for California's youth. We encourage you to take a moment to explore the toolkit and share its resources widely within your networks.