March 11, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – The Hampden County Addiction Taskforce (HCAT) met on Feb. 11, where participants heard from guest speakers from Gandara’s Sex Offender Treatment Program, and Behavioral Health Network’s Community Peer Program.

To start the meeting, Hester Gonzalez and Alejandro Ciliberti from Gandara provided an overview of the Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP.) They explained that SOTP is a strength-based, comprehensive program that uses an integrated treatment approach. Services include individual and group counseling, individualized treatment planning, relapse prevention planning, and psychoeducation.

SOTP serves adults with a history of sexual offending or behaviors that could lead to a sexual offense.

Gonzalez and Ciliberti explained that some of the objectives of the program are to increase public safety and reduce risk of recidivism, provide effective, research-driven treatment for individuals with sexual offense convictions or history, and develop highly structured individualized treatment plans based on assessment.

Individuals eligible to participate in SOTP must be court-mandated and registered as sex offenders, mandated by probation, parole or court, and are not registered but may benefit, and those seeking voluntary treatment for relapse prevention and long-term support. The program serves both men and women.

Next, Trevor Jenkins and Amanda Rivera from Behavioral Health Network talked about their Community Peer Program (CPP.) CPP provides peer support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. It uses certified peer specialists with lived experience to support recovery and self-determined goals.

CPP is a nonclinical, strengths-based approach that complements clinical treatment teams.

Jenkins and Rivera explained that the certified peer specialists are trained professionals with lived experience of recovery – providing support, encouragement, and practical guidance, while helping participants identify goals, hopes, and next steps.

They shared the impact of peer support, which includes increased self-esteem and confidence, increased hope and motivation, and decreased substance use and depression, among other positive results.

CPP is for adults 21 and over that struggle with mental health, who voluntarily want peer support, and are willing to meet with a peer at least once a week.

“Gandara’s Sex Offender Treatment Program and Behavioral Health Network’s Community Peer Program are vital to our mission of enhancing public safety,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “Through evidence-based treatment, structured accountability, and peer-driven support, these programs address underlying behaviors, reduce recidivism, and help individuals build stable, productive lives. Investing in rehabilitation and recovery ultimately makes our entire community safer.”

HCAT is a collaboration of community resources, law enforcement (local and state), health care institutions, service providers, schools and community coalitions, individuals, and families whose goal is to focus on a county wide approach to address drug addiction, overdose, and prevention.

HCAT is now on Facebook and can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ycxrtbtw. Follow the page to stay up to date with outreach efforts, community events, resources, and more.