Mental Illness & Drug Dependency (MIDD) Crisis Diversion Services

King County has contracted with the Downtown Emergency Services Center to provide crisis diversion services in King County. On August 6 th, 2012, the Crisis Solutions Center opened with the intent to provide a therapeutic, community- based alternative to jail and hospital settings for individual in behavioral health crisis.

An illustrious group gathered on August 2 nd to herald in the opening of the facility. And a large crowd gathered on August 3 rd for the open house.

Mobile Crisis Team Crisis Diversion Facility Crisis Diversion Interim Services

Referrals to the Mobile Crisis Team and the Crisis Diversion Facility come only from first responders in King County, including:  Any Law Enforcement  Hospital Emergency Departments Social Workers  Designated Mental Health Professionals  Fire Departments/Medic One Units Referrals to the Crisis Diversion Interim Services come only from the Crisis Diversion Facility

The MCT is a two-person team of Mental Health Professionals that responds to referrals from first responders in the community.

 Provides crisis intervention services to individuals in a behavioral crisis in the community.  Helps resolve crises, provide referrals to ongoing services and supports, and assist with arranging or providing transportation for individuals as needed.  Is available to respond to crisis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Provides services throughout King County to any individual age 18 or older.

Mobile Crisis Team The MCT is available to respond to first responder calls in the community to assist with people in mental health and substance use crisis and relieve the need for further intervention.

If a first responder determines or suspects an individual is in mental health or substance abuse crisis:  Determine if they are willing to participate in services and have some behavioral control to participate in services;  Call MCT directly to request an outreach. Officers can also use dispatch to facilitate this request.  If the referral is a jail diversion from a law enforcement officer, determine if the individual meets the defined jail diversion criteria.

Referents will be asked to provide the following:  Demographic information of the client (if known),  Reason for referral,  Medical information (if known),  Danger to Self, Danger to Others, Destruction to Property, Grave Disability information,

 They are available for consultation or a direct outreach to any location in King County.  The team will provide first responders with an estimated time of arrival to assist in determining if the resource is a viable option.  They can also provide transportation.

The CDF is a 16 bed facility able to accept people age 18 and over in mental health and substance abuse crisis in order to divert them from the jail and hospitals.

 The facility will accept individuals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, who can stay for up to 72 hours.  Services at the CDF will include crisis and stabilization services, case management, needs assessments, and linkage with community-based services.

Crisis Diversion Facility The CDF will provide first responders with an alternative option to the jail or hospital emergency departments for individuals who are experiencing a behavioral crisis.

 All referents are required to contact the CDF to provide a phone screening. Referents can also call the MCT to assist with this process.  All referents who transport clients to the CDF will drive into the private gated entrance where staff will meet them. Referents can also request assistance with transportation, which may be provided as staffing allows.  When making a referral, determine if the individual is willing to participate in services and has some behavioral control.

 Officers considering diverting individuals to the CDF will at a minimum screen the person for disqualifying offenses and criminal history in the field on their mobile database system.  When officers deliver the person to the CDF, they will provide the appropriate information to the CDF so that CDF staff can complete the “Arrest Referral Tracking Sheet” and "Notice of Diversion to the CDF."

Referents will be asked to provide the following:  Demographic information of the client (if known)  Reason for referral  Medical information (if known)  Danger to Self, Danger to Others, Destruction to Property, Grave Disability information  Law enforcement officers will also be asked to provide criminal background information

 Has the person committed an eligible misdemeanor or felony drug possession offense?  Does the person appear to have a mental illness or substance use issue?  Is the individual suffering from an acute mental health crisis that would qualify for a referral to a Designated Mental Health Professional for possible involuntary commitment?  Does the offense the person involve domestic violence that requires mandatory arrest and booking into jail?

 Does the person have a prior criminal conviction for a felony, sex or violent offense in the past 10 years that would disqualify him/her from being referred to the CDF?  Does the person have any medical conditions that require immediate medical treatment or referral to a hospital?  Does the person words and actions indicate willingness to participate in services at the CDF?  Has the alleged victim been informed of the diversion option and is there opposition to the diversion?

 Criminal trespass I  Criminal trespass II  Theft 3 < $50  Malicious mischief < $50  Unlawful bus/transit conduct  Failure to appear/respond (court summons)  Disorderly conduct  Obstructing  Use of drug paraphernalia  Possession of marijuana  Alcohol in a park  NVOL (No Valid Operator's License)  DWLS (Driving with License Suspended) 3  Minor in possession of alcohol  Unlawful issuance of bank checks  Prostitution  Drug traffic loitering  Loitering for purposes of prostitution  Possess fraudulent driver’s license  Failure to obey  Theft of rental property.

 VUCSA: Simple Possession of Cocaine < 1 gram  VUCSA: Possession of Legend Drugs (Prescription Drugs without Proper Prescription)  VUCSA: Simple Possession of Heroin < 1 gram  VUCSA: Simple Possession of Methamphetamine < 1 gram

Front Back

 Participation is voluntary.  Drop-off at the CDF should take no longer than 15 minutes.  Unannounced walk-ups and individuals without a referral from first responder will not be accepted.  Individuals do not have to commit a crime to be eligible for services at the CDF.

 A person diverted to the CDF may be charged with the original offense that brought them to the CDF if they choose not to engage in services and leave the facility. CDF staff will contact the appropriate prosecuting attorney to inform them of the individual’s decision to leave so that charges may be considered.  In the case where an individual who was subject to arrest was diverted to the CDF and completed all offered treatment, CDF staff will contact the appropriate prosecuting authority to report the individual’s success.

 If a person becomes uncooperative, combative and threatening, CDF staff can contact law enforcement to request assistance if necessary to keep the peace.  Should the referring police officer request it, CDF staff will contact the referring officer to report whether the individual engaged, or chose not to engage, in services at the CDF.

Where is the Facility? The Crisis Diversion Facility will be located at 1600 S. Lane Street in Seattle, WA. It is within close proximity of I-5, I-90, Harborview Hospital, the King County Jail, and local Metro bus routes.

Individuals tend to cycle through our jail and hospital systems quickly and end up back on the streets. These services offer alternatives to these revolving doors.

The CDIS is a 23 bed facility for individuals leaving the CDF whose may be homeless, or whose shelter situation may be dangerous or have the potential to send him/her into crisis again.

 Individuals are referred to the CDIS only by CDF staff, and can stay for up to two weeks.  Services at the CDIS include case management services to identify all housing and support options available.

Crisis Diversion Interim Services Individuals who are served at the CDIS will be connected to services and supports in the community to help remove barriers to treatment and reduce involvement with first responders.

The facility officially opened its doors to individuals in behavioral health crisis on August 6 th, As of August 20, 26 clients have been admitted to the CDF and 8 clients have been served at the CDIS.

 All programs of the Crisis Solutions Center will work to coordinate with existing service providers to insure that individuals referred to the CSC are (re)connected with programs to meet their needs in the community.  The CSC promotes collaboration and communication and will work with community-based partners to assist people in behavioral health crisis in planning for their return to their home community.  A critical component will be making connections with service providers and housing programs to support effective and individually crafted discharge plans.

Together, these systems create opportunities for earlier intervention and continued support for our communities and the individuals within them.

For more information, contact:  Kathy Ryan, Crisis Solutions Center Program Manager or  Susan Schoeld, Crisis Diversion Program Manager or  Crisis Solutions Center mainline