Stepping Up-Alternatives to Incarceration: Quarterly Newsletter-October 2020 |
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Welcome to the 4th Stepping Up-Alternatives to Incarceration Quarterly Newsletter from Southwest Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services Region (Region). The purpose of the newsletter is to keep key stakeholders in the Region informed of the status of the Stepping Up-Alternatives to Incarceration Initiative in Southwest Iowa.
IN THIS ISSUE
In this issue, we revisit the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) that serves as the organizing framework for the Stepping Up-Alternatives to Incarceration Initiative. Our attention then turns to a review of services provided by the Mental Health Crisis Response Team (MHCRT). Finally, we take a closer look at services offered by the MHCRT in hospital emergency departments.
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What Is the Sequential Intercept Model? |
In our last issue, we introduced you to the SIM, first published by Policy Research Associates, Inc. in 2005. The SIM provides a framework for understanding the flow of individuals with mental illness through the stages of the criminal justice system, identifying existing resources and service gaps at each stage, and prioritizing implementation of community-based services. The intercepts, ranging from Intercept 0 through intercept 5, encompass the decision-making stages of the justice system. In future issues, we will continue to include the visualization of the SIM to serve as a point of reference as we discuss specific services offered throughout the Region |
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WHAT IS THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM (MHCRT)?
MHCRT, a service provided by Heartland Family Services, provides immediate therapeutic intervention for mental illness and substance abuse crises. MHCRT crisis assessments are requested from five sources. Mobile Crisis Response assessments result from requests made by law enforcement officers who come in contact with individuals or respond to calls involving individuals in crisis. Jail-Based Crisis Response is requested by county jails as an intervention for inmates who experience mental health crisis. Pre-committal assessments occur when citizens who are considering filing civil commitment paperwork contact the MHCRT for assistance in determining the appropriate level of care for a family member in crisis. Court-ordered assessments occur when a judge is concerned that a civil commitment may not be the appropriate course of action in cases brought before them. Hospital-Based assessments are requested by emergency department staff to determine the appropriate level of care for individuals who present in the emergency department in non-medical mental health crisis.
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The origins of MHCRT in Southwest Iowa date back to December 2010 with the implementation of Mobile Crisis Response and Jail-Based Crisis Response in Pottawattamie County. Pre-Committal Assessments (2012) and Court Ordered Assessments (2015) were also first implemented in Pottawattamie County. By the second half of 2016, MHCRT services were made available to all counties in the Region. In spring 2018, the Region launched a hospital-based pilot program for critical access hospitals in rural communities. The current expansion status of all MHCRT services throughout the Region appear in the table above.
A CLOSER LOOK AT HOSPITAL-BASED ASSESSMENTS CONDUCTED BY MHCRT
Hospital-Based assessments are requested by emergency department (ED) staff to determine the appropriate level of care for individuals who present in the emergency department in non-medical mental health crisis. After receiving a call from the ED, HFS therapists provide on-site, face-to-face or technology assisted risk assessments to prevent unnecessary hospitalization, protective custody, and/or incarceration. The MHCRT follows up with all individuals assessed to make sure they have the information they need to successfully seek services. Therapists also follow up with individuals to provide necessary referrals in order to prevent future crises.
MHCRT services are available to every rural hospital in the region. Currently, five rural hospitals utilize the service as of October 2020. Feedback from hospitals that have implemented the service have been positive. They find it not only saves them time, it also provides a quality service to individuals.
The data below represent Hospitals-Based Crisis Response assessments completed through FY2020 (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020).
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Of 336 total assessments completed by all MHCRT sources in FY20, 132 or 39% were completed in hospital EDs. 71% were in Page county, 28% were in Monona county and 1% in Harrison. Assessment outcomes are in the chart below. The data indicates that 76% percent of Mobile Crisis Response assessments conducted determined that the individual did not meet criteria for involuntary committal. When this occurs, MHCRT develops a safety plan with the individual to help them remain safe while in the hospital, and once back in the community the MHCRT team conducts follow-up with the client to make sure they are seeking or attending mental health/substance abuse treatment at local mental health centers. The Region would like to encourage more rural hospitals in our region to utilize MHCRT services. For more information, please contact Suzanne Watson, Region CEO at swatson@swiamhds.org
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The SWIA MHDS Region's Crisis Stabilization Services |
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Mental Health Crisis Response Team
Provides multiple crisis service
Precommital screening for residents of the SWIA Region
Assessments for court ordered committals
Telehealth Crisis Response available to SWIA Region residents. Services include assessment, stabilization and referrals to community services. This service can only be initiated by Law Enforcement
These services are expanding into all counties in the Region
For further information, Law Enforcement can contact Jenny Stewart (Director) at 712-325-5619
"To avoid the need for an Emergency Protective Custody hold or inpatient psychiatric hospitalization"
Service provided by Heartland Family Service
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Call (712) 303-7066 to make a referral
Referrals accepted 24 hours a day
A screening set up within 24 hours
Accepts referrals from friends, family, emergency departments and outpatient providers
Accepts referrals from Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties
"Provides a safe, caring, and home-like environment to those with a mental illness in crisis while modeling skills needed to successfully navigate in the community"
Service provided by Waubonsie Mental Health Center
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Call (844) 673-4469 for help and support
Crisis line available 24/7, toll free and confidential
Connects individuals in crisis to a helping hand and the resources to address and improve mental wellness
Anyone can call, including service providers on behalf of clients and patients
For residents of Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties
"Improving mental wellness, hope and outcomes for residents of Southwest Iowa in times of crisis"
Service operated by Boys Town
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