Kinship Peer Liaisons: Harnessing Lived Experience to Support Families

Peer connections are an underutilized yet infinitely powerful source of support for kinship families, who often feel alone and overwhelmed on their journey. As a supplement to professional support services, a peer liaison approach connects kin caregivers to each other for emotional, informational, and instrumental support. Support groups have been widely implemented across the nation, with research pointing to positive benefits for caregiver mental health and well-being. Yet, little research has focused on the benefits and implementation of individualized peer mentoring models. Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, LMSW; Angela Tobin, OTD, OTR/L; Tamra Scott, MS, BSW; and Charlene Ingram, MSW presented on KinCarolina's kinship peer liaison model, which has been recognized as Exemplary by the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network. Lessons learned and practical strategies for implementing individualized peer support - including for hiring, training, and supervision/coaching - were shared, with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. Future directions for this work were presented, including the development of a train-the-trainer curriculum (“THE” Liaison – Together Harnessing Lived Experience Liaison model) that promoted replication of individual peer mentorship among diverse and interdisciplinary organizations serving kinship families. Presenters: Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW, Dean & Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Project Director, KinCarolina Angela Tobin, OTD, OTR/L Senior Implementation Specialist, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tamra Scott, MS, BSW, Service Coordinator, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Charlene Ingram, MSW, Program Consultant- Child Welfare Expert