Research

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  January 2021

  Individuals with mental illness who have multiple encounters with law enforcement

  This study examines the impact of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model on criminal/legal encounters and mental health treatment engagement for individuals who have repeated encounters with law enforcement, comparing individuals with serious mental illness (SMI)-only to those with a co-occurring disorder. Law enforcement call reports, jail stays, and mental health treatment data were collected over three years from one Midwestern county where CIT was implemented. Cox regression hazard ratio results indicated the time to first mental health encounter after the implementation of CIT was quicker for those who were identified as having a co-occurring disorder. Jail diversion next steps are discussed.

  Crisis response

  Publication
• 
  October 2020

  Fall 2020 Newsletter

  CBHJ, School of Medicine and Wayne County develop toolkit of COVID-19 mitigation strategies for Michigan county jails; Post-overdose referrals to treatment to increase after EMS legal representation examines lawful cross-agency data sharing; Evaluation reports on Michigan Re-entry Project (MIREP) show positive outcomes among high-risk population; SAMHSA reduces barriers to new methadone patients in jail through crisis exceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic; and more.

  Diversion

  Reentry

  Treatment ecosystems

  Crisis response

  Other

  Newsletter
• 
  September 2020

  Data Sharing Laws and PROACT Referrals

  Using personal identifying information (PII) for purposes of referral or program evaluation is allowable under CFR Part 2 within certain circumstances, but it generally entails a legal and administrative review. EMS agencies have data sharing agreements in place with local hospitals and health systems to share patient identifiable information (PII) to address emergency care, but they do not typically have such agreements in place with publicly funded harm reduction agencies or substance use disorder treatment partners.

  Crisis response

  Presentation
• 
  September 2020

  Proactive Response to Overdose and Appropriate Connections to Treatment (PROACT)

  Opioid-related overdose events often require an emergency first response to administer naloxone, and research suggests individuals who use illicit opioids are at high risk for a repeated non-fatal overdose and fatal overdose. An interface with a first responser presents an opportunity for a public health response; however, there is rarely an attempt to link these individuals into subsequent treatment or services, even when there is a suspected substance use disorder or opioid use disorder. The Center for Behavioral Health and Justice is helping to bridge the gap to treatment and other potential programs following a non-fatal overdose event by outlining, implementing, and evaluating community-based post-overdose programs.

  Crisis response

  Presentation
• 
  April 2019

  Enhancing knowledge of adolescent mental health among law enforcement: implementing youth focused Crisis Intervention Teams training

  This study explores the feasibility, acceptability, fidelity and outcomes of a youth version of the Crisis Intervention Team training (CIT-Y). This intervention is designed to keep youth with a mental health problem out of the criminal/legal system by equipping police officers with developmentally appropriate information and techniques. This preliminary investigation used multiple methods (training observations, officer interviews and pre/post-tests) to assesses the implementation of CIT-Y in two Midwest counties. Outcomes from the pre/post-tests show that 86% of officers positively changed their knowledge and attitudes regarding youth with mental health problems. Recommendations for enhancing the curriculum and subsequent research are also discussed.

  Crisis response

  Publication
• 
  March 2019

  Mental health crisis location and police transportation decisions: The impact of Crisis Intervention Teams training on crisis center utilization

  Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) research has shown increases in officer transports of individuals with serious mental illness to emergency departments (ED). While this is more appropriate than incarceration, it can be expensive and lack linkage to long-term mental health services. Mental health crisis centers offer a promising alternative but may be limited by proximal distance and lack of officer awareness. This study asks, “Does CIT training affect officer transport decisions to a crisis center over a nearby ED?” Crisis call reports were analyzed in a Midwestern county and found increased use of the crisis center and decreased use of EDs by officers after CIT was implemented.

  Crisis response

  Publication
• 
  November 2018

  Barriers and facilitators to implementing an urban co-responding police-mental health team

  This study examines barriers and facilitators of successfully implementing the Mobile Crisis Assistance Team model, a first-responder co-response team of police officers, mental health professionals and paramedics. Content analysis of team member qualitative focus groups and program stakeholder interviews expand previous findings by identifying additional professional cultural barriers and facilitators to program implementation while also exploring the role of clear, systematic policies and guidelines in program success. Findings demonstrate the value of both flexible and formal policies to help guide program implementation; ample community resources and treatment services to successfully refer clients to needed services; and streamlined communication among participating agencies and the local healthcare community.

  Crisis response

  Publication
• 
  October 2017

  Countywide implementation of Crisis Intervention Teams: multiple methods, measures and sustained outcomes

  This case study presents a countywide implementation of the crisis intervention team (CIT) and expands previous findings on the prevalence of officer interaction with persons with mental health issues and CIT training outcomes, including changes in officer perception of individuals with mental health issues. Analysis of the disposition of calls for officer assistance coded as mental health or suicide found significant increases in officer drop‐offs to the mental health crisis center post‐CIT training. Interrupted time series analysis determined that this change has been sustained over time, perhaps owing to the unique communication between county law enforcement and mental health staff. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

  Crisis response

  Publication