NCJ Number
153295
Journal
Source Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 8-9,12
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A unique feature of a primary pediatric care clinic in Buffalo, N.Y., for children who have been prenatally exposed to cocaine, HIV, or both, is its employment of peer workers called Maternal Infant Specialists, who provide home-based support services.
Abstract
The Parents and Children Together Program (PACT) at Children's Hospital of Buffalo hired the peer workers to reflect the mainly black population served by the program. Before a peer worker is assigned, the client and social worker meet to develop a service plan and discuss the role of the Maternal Infant Specialist. The specialist provides assistance with practical needs such as housing, as well as with issues of parenting, child development, and HIV risk reduction. The specialists accompany clients to their children's medical appointments and advocate for their clients. The specialists complete an initial 6-week training program and receive further training as well. Two social workers supervise six peer workers each and provide individual supervision twice monthly. Benefits of the peer workers have included the ability to hire more staff at less cost, the peer workers' knowledge and involvement in the community, and the provision of positive role models. Nevertheless, the program has also had to address issues of excessive personal involvement, maintaining boundaries, and the possibility of relapse in recovering drug abusers. Overall, it is of great benefit to have staff indigenous to the population served. Photograph and case example