Our goal in peer support is the independence of the person being served.

• A. Not at all
• B. Sometimes
• C. TRUE
• D. False

Answer: (C)

Independence and self-determination are the goals in peer support. A peer specialist partners with the person served to build skills, access resources, and make decisions that increase control over their life. The emphasis is on empowering the individual to live more autonomously and participate fully in their community, not on creating reliance on the peer or the service system. Ongoing support may occur, but the aim is to enable lasting independence. Therefore, the statement is true. Saying independence is not a goal or that it’s only sometimes the goal would misrepresent recovery-oriented practice, which centers on empowering individuals to achieve greater autonomy.