Date of Conferral

8-28-2025

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Thomas McLaughlin

Abstract

This study addressed the gap in understanding the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of peer support services (PSS) among two groups of reentry staff in North Carolina (NC): those in the community and those within the Department of Adult Correction (DAC). Both groups of reentry staff completed a web-based survey encompassing the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM), and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). The sampling strategy, response rate, and survey administration details are provided. Guided by ecological systems theory, this study examined how PSS can improve reentry outcomes and address insufficient public safety, social relationship deterioration, and chronic poverty. This study contributes to efforts aimed at reducing incarceration and promoting reintegration, which aligns with the "smart-decarceration" movement, a part of the 9th Grand Challenge of Social Work. Independent sample t tests were conducted using SPSS. Results revealed statistically significant differences among three of the twelve survey items, with community-based staff reporting higher overall mean scores on AIM, IAM, and FIM. This suggests that reentry community staff in NC perceive peer support as more acceptable, appropriate, and feasible than NCDAC staff. Limitations such as self-report bias and cross-sectional design exist; however, the findings offer valuable insights for social work practice. Recommendations include enhanced training for DAC staff, increased integration of PSS roles in reentry frameworks, and policy changes to improve organizational readiness for peer-led interventions. Implementing PSS may promote a cultural shift toward more effective reentry systems.

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