Agencies that provide programs and services staffed and managed by people with lived experience provide programs that are more effective, relevant and comprehensive.  When peer support workers are employed by the DA they:

a) are represented in management positions*, 

b) are part of a team supervised by someone experienced in peer     support*, 

c) have opportunities to network with other peer support workers, 

d) have annual peer support specific training (including intentional peer support) and professional development opportunities, and *

e) are compensated equitably (paid an equitable hourly rate to non-peers in a comparable role)*

f) include advocacy on the individual and systems level *

g) are involved in quality improvement efforts

Or, when peer support and advocacy is contracted with a third party, active support and collaboration includes: 

a) Unrestricted access to agency policies, procedures, practice, organizational and decision-making structures*

b) Regular meetings with upper management to discuss observations and concerns*

c) Inclusion in all discussions with or about the individuals they are supporting to the degree that the individual desires it (including team meetings, utilization review, rounds, etc.)*

In both instances it is crucial that: 

a) Peer support services are in alignment with the Western Mass Peer Roles Handbook (for providers and peer supporters)*

b) There is education within the agency for all staff about sanism, peer support, and historic and current oppression in the MH/disability services systems*

0 – Criteria not met (The agency does not provide evidence of the of the activities described above) 

1 - Criteria partially met (The agency demonstrates one of the highlighted (*) activities from the description or the agency is engaged in providing one of the following in preparation for developing a peer support program:

a) providing training on sansim, oppression, disability justice, 

b) engaging people with lived experience in designing program/collaboration, 

c) have a committee or workgroup reviewing the western mass roles, planning, and reviewing policies, and/or 

d) demonstrate changes in policy or practice that result in less coercion or pathologizing 

2 – Criteria Met (The agency demonstrates all of the activities highlighted (*) in the description