Responding to calls for service
How to Use 988 to Respond to Behavioral Health Crisis Calls (NEW)
By The CSG Justice Center
In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress established a universal phone number for behavioral health crises and suicide preventions to directly connect people to crisis responders—988. The three-digit number offers an opportunity for states and local communities to change the way they respond to people in behavioral health crises and redefine the role of law enforcement and 911. This brief highlights important facts about the new dedicated crisis line and offers tips to help communities prepare for its national launch in 2022.
Tips for Successfully Implementing a 911 Dispatch Diversion Program (NEW)
By The CSG Justice Center
A diversion model showing great promise across the U.S. is 911 dispatch diversion, sometimes called crisis call diversion. The approach aims to reduce unnecessary police contact by connecting people to mental health professionals when someone contacts 911 due to a behavioral health crisis or other health or social service need. This brief outlines four tips for successfully implementing 911 dispatch diversion in a community.