Peer and Family Assistants Program
2009 NACo Achievement Award Winner
San Bernardino County, Calif., CA
Best In Category
About the Program
Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)
Year: 2009
The Peer and Family Assistant Program was created for the purpose of helping improve outcomes for the children and families served by the San Bernardino County Department of Children’s Services. Peer and Family Assistants are former foster youth who provide peer counseling and linkages to services and support for DCS dependent youth. The Peer and Family Assistants also provide outreach information to increase community awareness and education regarding new initiatives and departmental programs by interacting with stakeholders and service providers. They also help recruit foster youth to participate in the Independent Living Program and help prepare them to successfully transition to independence and self-sufficiency.