ACLU's Court Victory: Transforming D.C.'s Mental Health Crisis Response

Tuesday, 10 September 2024, 15:07

Mental health crisis calls in D.C. are set to change following the ACLU's recent court victory. This landmark decision emphasizes the urgent need for trained professionals to respond to mental health emergencies instead of police. The ACLU advocates for reforms to ensure that dispatch sends appropriate mental health teams during crises, highlighting the inadequacies of current system.
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ACLU's Court Victory: Transforming D.C.'s Mental Health Crisis Response

ACLU's Landmark Victory for Mental Health in D.C.

The ACLU is heralding a significant win for disability rights in their ongoing advocacy for reforming mental health crisis responses in Washington, D.C. A district court judge recently ruled to advance a lawsuit against the District of Columbia, criticizing its reliance on police to handle such situations.

Impacts of Police Involvement in Mental Health Crises

In D.C., individuals experiencing a mental health crisis typically receive a police response when they call 911, which can exacerbate their distress. Ashika Verriest, senior staff attorney with the ACLU, stresses that police are not trained to handle these emergencies appropriately.

Changing the Response System

  • The goal is to have licensed mental health providers dispatched to crisis situations actively.
  • Currently, police respond to less than 1% of mental health crisis calls with trained professionals.
  • This change aims to reduce the escalation of crises and provide timely support to those in need.

Next Steps in the Case

Both parties are now preparing for trial but a settlement could be reached beforehand. The impending changes could set a precedent for how similar situations are managed across the country.


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