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 will present 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 – will be shared, with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens.

Future directions for this work will be presented, including the development of a train-the-trainer curriculum (“THE” Liaison – Together Harnessing Lived Experience Liaison model) that will promote replication of individual peer mentorship among diverse and interdisciplinary organizations serving kinship families.

Presenters:

Ramona Denby-Brinson, PhD, ACSW, LMSW, Dean & Professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and  Project Director of 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