The Official Website of the State of Arkansas

Arkansas Peer Recovery

Arkansas Peer Recovery

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Our mission is to improve the quality of life of all Arkansans by protecting the vulnerable, fostering independence and promoting better health for individuals who face substance use and mental health disorders.

Infrastructure for the Arkansas Peer Recovery Support system was built and continues to grow under the leadership of two teams.

DHS Office of Recovery Staff

This team is housed within the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. They direct the Peer Specialist certification and placement process, and they manage state and federal funds that support the peer recovery support system.

Peer Recovery Supervisors

Arkansas Peer Recovery Supervisors (PRS) are individuals who have completed the Core, Advanced, and Supervisor in Training levels of certification, including no less than 4 years of abstinence-based recovery, 135 hours of continued education, 48 hours attending peer supervision, 150 hours of facilitating peer supervision, and 2,000 hours of consistent peer employment.

These individuals are responsible for providing supervision to both incoming Peers in Training and the remainder of the Core and Advanced workforce, which is done through group and individual supervision sessions. They also influence policy and public opinion through advocacy, create and manage peer recovery programs throughout the state, and most participate in advisory committees, boards, or training sessions relevant to the recovery community throughout the State of Arkansas.

Arkansas Peer Advisory Committee (APAC)

APAC’s primary responsibilities are to advise the DHS Recovery Unit on best practices and to offer guidance to strengthen the peer recovery workforce across the state.

These teams do not work in isolation. Our efforts are intertwined with the efforts of thousands of individuals in recovery and our allies. Together, we can create systemic change that benefits individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders.

Arkansas Peer Ethics Review Board (APERB)

The primary purpose of APERB is to maintain and promote the integrity of services provided by Peer Workers within the state. By conducting reviews, offering guidance, and fostering a culture of ethical behavior, APERB aims to protect the interests of individuals receiving services and uphold the reputation of the profession. Additionally, it seeks to provide education and resources to professionals to encourage best practices and prevent ethical violations.

Copies of the codes of ethics and Ethical Complaint Form can be found here.

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