In 2025, First 5 Orange County expanded its support for substance-affected pregnant people and their families by integrating Peer Support Specialists into the county’s continuum of care. These specialists, individuals with lived experience navigating perinatal substance use recovery, provide compassionate, peer-led support during pregnancy and early parenting.
Working in partnership with community and healthcare providers, Peer Support Specialists help families develop Family Wellness Plans and connect to critical services, including recovery support, home visiting, public health nursing, and housing resources. Referrals are available through hospitals, the Warmline, and an online interest form. Since launching the program, multiple families are already actively engaged with peer support, receiving individualized guidance to strengthen family stability, promote recovery, and help keep families safely together.
