G9 - Building Trust, Changing Systems: The Power of Lived Experience in Supporting Families

Families facing both substance use disorder and child maltreatment often interact with multiple systems that rarely coordinate effectively. This session explores how integrating lived experience—specifically through peer recovery specialists—can bridge service gaps, foster trust, and improve family outcomes. Presenters will share real-world strategies for embedding lived experience in diverse services systems to strengthen collaboration across child welfare, behavioral health, courts, and community supports. Participants will gain practical tools to enhance engagement and retention, shift organizational culture, and inform policy. Join us to learn how lived experience can transform fragmented systems into responsive, recovery-focused supports for families.