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INSIDE: Salt Lake City expands emergency response; Improving juvenile justice; 5 ways to improve behavioral health crisis response; and more.

January 8, 2025 | Edited by Peter Tomao

SUPPORTING JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM

New Guide: Supporting Crisis Stabilization for Youth and Young Adults during Reentry

Strong cross-coordination between the justice and crisis systems is critical to address the breadth and scope of crisis stabilization needs for young people. This new resource outlines ways justice professionals can engage, collaborate, and partner with reentry systems to help prevent crises that may lead to future justice system involvement for youth and young adults. 

 IMPROVING CRISIS RESPONSE

Matching Care to Need: 5 Facts on How to Improve Behavioral Health Crisis Response

Communities across the U.S. are recognizing the importance of shifting behavioral health crisis response from law enforcement to behavioral health professionals when there is no immediate safety risk. This new article explores how offering person-centered, trauma-informed care can save lives, reduce costs, and improve outcomes. 

 FROM THE FIELD

Salt Lake City Carves New Path for Mental Health Emergency Response

A recent interview with Amanda McNab from Huntsman Mental Health Institute explains how Salt Lake City created its emergency response partnership between 911 and mental health services. McNab shares how 911 dispatchers and mental health teams work as partners to support people during mental health emergencies. The program now connects 84 people each month with mental health support instead of law enforcement, while crisis response teams assist more than half of these individuals. Read the full interview to learn how this program’s success can provide a roadmap for other communities looking to improve their crisis response systems. 

 EXPANDING 988 CRISIS RESPONSE

988 Added to Sequential Intercept Model

A major change is making getting help during a mental health emergency easier. The Sequential Intercept Model, a roadmap for diverting people with mental health needs from the criminal justice system, now includes the 988 crisis lifeline as a first point of contact. When someone calls 988, they connect directly with mental health professionals who can send a response team or provide immediate support. This update integrates 988 into state and local planning for connecting people to care and reducing unnecessary trips to the emergency room and police interactions. 

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