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Heidi Mason Family Support Specialist A Helping Hand: Mother to Mother Massachusetts. AHH Partners. Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH): Div. of Perinatal, Early Childhood, & Special Needs Early Intervention Bureau of Substance Abuse Services MA Dept of Children & Families
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Heidi MasonFamily Support SpecialistA Helping Hand: Mother to MotherMassachusetts
AHH Partners • Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH): • Div. of Perinatal, Early Childhood, & Special Needs • Early Intervention • Bureau of Substance Abuse Services • MA Dept of Children & Families • Brandeis University • Partners: • Institute for Health & Recovery • Community HealthLink, Square One, Federation for Children with Special Health Needs • Birth Hospitals
A Helping Hand: Mother to Mother (AHH) • Voluntary home-visiting practice • Mothers of SEN <90 days old • Peer Worker = Mother in Recovery
AHH Peer Worker Model • A mother in recovery works with mother of SEN to… • Engage and support mother in treatment/recovery • Support nurturing parenting • Ensure EI assessment • Make referrals • Work collaboratively with Child Welfare to support service plan
Engagement Strategies • Diaper Incentive • Square One – Bonus Redemption Points (supported by external funding) • Meet with Peer Worker • Bring baby to appointment • Accomplish goals • Participating in groups
Peer Recovery WorkersStrengths • Being a mother in recovery • Teach new habits of sobriety • Provide parenting support and guidance • Maintain focus on early childhood development; make referrals as needed
Peer Training • Stages of Change/Motivational Interviewing • Relational-Cultural Theory • Substance Use Disorders 201 • Home visiting safety protocols • CPR and universal health precautions
Peer Training • Using supervision • Confidentiality and boundaries • Early Childhood Development • Mandated reporting guidelines • Community resources • Recovery Coach Academy
Challenges of Peer Model • Triggers or negative personal memories • Working with people from your ‘using’ past • Other collaborating professionals may not value peer’s experience as much as academic credentials
Outcomes • At time of closing of 65 cases: • Physical Custody • 45 with mother • 9 with relatives • 9 in foster care • 8 reunified