§50902 Best Practices and Support

Summary

The Attorney General, working with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, must create a report on peer support counseling for first responder agencies by not later than 2 years after November 18, 2021. The report must explain how to set up and run peer support programs, how to train and certify peer support specialists, a code of ethics, ideas for continuing education, how to tell participants about confidentiality, the kinds of programs in use, differences across responder groups, and the role of senior first responders. The Attorney General must put the report and a list of training programs on the Department of Justice website. Definitions in one line each: First responder — same meaning as “public safety officer” in section 10284. First responder agency — a Federal, State, local, or Tribal agency that uses first responders. Peer support counseling program — an agency program where peers provide counseling to first responders. Peer support participant — a first responder who receives that counseling. Peer support specialist — a trained first responder chosen by the agency to give peer counseling and emotional support after traumatic events.