Santa Rosa’s inRESPONSE mental health crisis team a ‘new model’ for police alternatives, city leaders say

Santa Rosa’s inRESPONSE mental health crisis team a ‘new model’ for police alternatives, city leaders say

Posted on February 17, 2022

One-time, acute crisis response is just one service inRESPONSE provides, at a cost of $1.1 million this year. Another innovative element is the “system navigators” who provide long-term, wraparound support to members of the community before and after mental health crises. The system navigators not only follow up after emergency incidents, but also operate a non-emergency hotline anyone can call to find outside resources and services. This element of the inRESPONSE program is “very unique,” according to Shannon Scully, senior manager on criminal justice policy at NAMI. “Santa Rosa is doing something that’s spot on in terms of what we see as best practices,” Scully said, because continual care ensures “you’re providing that connection to resources before the moment of crisis, as well as long after to help someone remain engaged.”