At a proclamation ceremony held Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Funke, along with State Court Administrator Corey Steel and Probation Administrator Deb Minardi, announced the celebration of Nebraska Probation Week and recognized the 10^th anniversary of the Judicial Branch Peer Support Team.

In late 2014, the Nebraska State Probation system established the Peer Support Team as an organized approach to support Nebraska State Probation personnel during times of personal or professional crisis. This program was developed to ensure personnel are provided with intervention and available resources to treat the immediate effects of personal and/or professional circumstances. The mission of the Peer Support Team is to provide staff education, consultation, resources and referrals to support ongoing wellness and resiliency for court and probation staff. The initial Peer Support Team consisted of 15 volunteer employees composed of probation officers, supervisors, support staff, and administrative specialists from across the State who were fully trained in crisis intervention and self-care. The team created policies, procedures and protocols for the program and created materials to help market this service to nearly 1,000 employees statewide.  The team’s efforts were recognized nationally in 2016 by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), as recipient of the APPA President’s Award.

In 2020, the Peer Support Team expanded its scope, and the entire Judicial Branch was offered peer support services. Today, approximately 21 volunteer members from both probation and the courts across the state make up the team. Peer support is about people helping people. Trained peers are highly valued by colleagues in that they understand the work culture, are easily accessible, and can provide confidential support in a variety of circumstances. Peers are often the first to notice subtle changes in a colleague’s behavior or demeanor and can respectfully inquire about the colleague’s wellbeing in a low-key manner that is not intrusive. Team members are passionate about mental health, wellness and supporting each other during big and small events in life.

Peer Support Team members are contacted by phone, email, text or face-to-face, providing one-on-one support for whatever the need. Members are trained in mental health first aid and receive ongoing training throughout each year. Team members are not licensed counselors but can assist in referring employees to a licensed counselor or other community support, if needed.

Carrying out the work of the Nebraska Judicial Branch each and every day by probation and court staff is not an easy task. We are thankful for the volunteers who make up the Peer Support Team and provide a valuable service to employees throughout the year.