Samenvatting

Background: A multi-year pilot was conducted in addiction care, in which clients in addiction rehabilitation are supported by peer volunteers with their own criminal and addiction history, together with the regular probation officer. This study looked at the role of peer volunteers within the probation program.
Methods: A qualitative exploration among probation officers and volunteers and a quantitative investigation into the experiences of probation officers, peer volunteers and clients in groups without and with the support of a peer volunteer.
Conclusion: Probation officers, peer volunteers and clients experience added value for the deployment of peer volunteers. In the quantitative group comparison, minor differences were found between the groups in terms of recovery and perceived hope.