LA CRISP: The Role of Community Health Workers and Peer Support Specialists in Reentry

Hosted by The Council of State Governments Justice Center and MDRC 

The Council of State Governments Justice Center will introduce participants to the Los Angeles County Reentry Integrated Services Project (LA CRISP), a multiyear, multistudy evaluation—led by social policy research firm MDRC—of services for people involved in the criminal legal system offered by the Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD). 

This virtual discussion will focus on the findings from the studies and feature community health workers and peer support specialists from two JCOD programs. Panelists will share how they incorporate their lived experience and expertise into their work and support individuals reentering their communities. They will also share key takeaways from their roles. 

 Speakers: 

• Chidi Umez-Rowley, Deputy Program Director, Corrections and Reentry, CSG Justice Center (moderator) 
• Michelle Manno, Senior Research Associate, MDRC 
• Michelle Murillo, Community Health Worker/Peer Support Specialist, People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) 
• Ryan Barksdale, Peer Navigator, Center for Living and Learning