The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) is hosting a “Power of Peers” training session on , offering six continuing education credits to attendees. The all-day event, running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST, will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.
This training, designated RAPT (presumably an internal DCS acronym), focuses on peer support within the foster care system. Participants will learn strategies and techniques for supporting colleagues and navigating the challenges inherent in child welfare work. The program is designed for individuals involved in foster care, including specialists and potentially others working within the DCS framework.
Registration for the “Power of Peers” training requires an email to [email protected]. The email must include the class name (“Power of Peers”), the date of the session, the attendee’s name, phone number, email address, and the name of their Foster Care Specialist. This suggests a structured approach to tracking attendance and ensuring participants are appropriately connected within the DCS system.
The availability of similar peer support training programs extends beyond Indiana. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) offers “Power In Peers©,” a nationally certified curriculum specifically designed for law enforcement personnel. This program, unlike the DCS offering, is geared towards addressing stress related to both professional duties and personal life, and provides a network of trained mentors. Upcoming FOP sessions are scheduled for in St. Augustine, Florida, and in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with further sessions planned later in the year.
Peer support training isn’t limited to public safety or child welfare. Friends of Recovery – New York (FOR-NY) lists a wide range of trainings, including several focused on peer support and certification, with sessions scheduled throughout February and March 2026. These trainings cover areas like Recovery Coach Academy, ethics, and various certifications (CPP, CPSS, etc.). Costs for these FOR-NY trainings vary, ranging from $100 to $600 depending on the course and location.
The University of Maryland (UMD) Health Center also offers peer support programs through its CARE to Stop Violence initiative. Students participating in these programs earn six course credits, highlighting the academic recognition of peer support as a valuable skill set. Applications for these UMD programs close on .
The increasing prevalence of peer support training across diverse sectors – child welfare, law enforcement, and recovery services – reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and well-being in demanding professions. Traditionally, these fields have emphasized resilience and a “tough it out” mentality. However, there’s a shift towards proactively equipping individuals with the skills to support each other, manage stress, and prevent burnout.
The DCS’s “Power of Peers” program, while specific to the challenges of foster care, aligns with this broader trend. The program’s focus on providing a supportive environment for DCS staff is likely intended to improve employee retention, reduce stress-related illness, and ultimately enhance the quality of care provided to children and families. The requirement for participants to identify a Foster Care Specialist suggests an effort to integrate peer support into existing supervisory structures.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Alliance for Peer Support (ALLEAPS) is also offering training sessions throughout 2026, starting in Hoover on , and continuing at various locations across the state through June. ALLEAPS emphasizes the positive impact of peer support on officers and dispatchers, highlighting its role in helping individuals manage stress and maintain well-being.
While the specific curriculum details of the DCS “Power of Peers” training aren’t publicly available, the broader trend in peer support programs emphasizes active listening skills, positive psychology, and post-critical incident intervention techniques. These programs aim to create a culture of support where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and offering assistance to their colleagues. The effectiveness of these programs hinges on creating a safe and confidential environment, as well as providing participants with ongoing training and support.
