1. Can I have more information about the process to revise and pilot test protocols as part of CESSA implementation?
Protocols utilized by 911 call centers are being adapted to comply with CESSA legislation.
These adaptations are in the process of being piloted by a limited number of 911 call centers that have volunteered to participate in this process.
The CESSA SAC Technical Subcommittee on Protocols and Standards (PSTSC) Subject Matter Expert Workgroups are in the process of incorporating Interim Risk Level Matrix (IRLM) factors into protocols to be utilized by the 911 call centers. (The matrix defines and provides criteria for four risk levels, providing information regarding behavioral health crises that are used to help 911 telecommunicators to assess the situation and determine the appropriate response and response time.)
These adapted 911 call center protocols are necessary to address the CESSA goal of providing alternatives to law-enforcement-only responses to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises when appropriate. Although 911 call centers work with various vendors and the vendors' protocols are proprietary and vary, the process undertaken by the PSTSC is similar across sites:
- work with each vendor to modify the protocols if/as necessary to incorporate IRLM factor and acuity;
- pre-test the modified protocols to determine if they are successful in identifying individuals experiencing behavioral health crises and evaluate if, based on the use of the protocols, dispatch referrals comport with the IRLM-recommended response types available within each 911 call center's coverage area; and
- pilot the use of the protocols with a small group of 911 call centers to determine if the protocols result in the referral/dispatch of 911 calls with a behavioral health crisis component, as appropriate, to behavioral health professional crisis counselors for a behavioral health response as an alternative to a law-enforcement-only response.
2. Is CESSA a means to de-fund the police or redirect money budgeted for the police?
Absolutely not. The work of CESSA does not impact the operational budgets of law enforcement.
3. What changes are being made with law enforcement because of CESSA?
CESSA requires that individuals experiencing behavioral health crises receive alternative responses to law enforcement only when appropriate. It is expected that law enforcement officers will receive fewer referrals/dispatches for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. CESSA also requires the integration of law enforcement into these processes to assure that individuals involved in low-level non-violent misdemeanors can be diverted to the mental health system instead of the criminal justice system.
Law enforcement, EMS and mental health service providers are already working well together in many Illinois communities. Most communities in Illinois have Law Enforcement, EMS and mental/behavioral health providers working collaboratively to meet the needs of people experiencing a behavioral crisis as they always have, and without confusion.
4. How are CESSA requirements being communicated to Law Enforcement, EMS, and Fire?
The CESSA Statewide Advisory Committees (SACs) and the Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are comprised of a variety of behavioral health stakeholders including representatives from law enforcement, EMS and Fire. Work is also being undertaken to identify champions within the ranks of Law Enforcement, EMS and Fire who can share the vision and mission of CESSA with work colleagues. Additional messaging is needed to ensure clear communication on what CESSA is and what it means to the public. A communication strategy is being devised to promote sharing the message of CESSA and the community crisis system.
5. Some have described a tension between Law Enforcement and EMS about who can or should transport individuals with mental illness. Does CESSA address this operational issue?
The intent of CESSA will not resolve this issues. The Illinois Department of Human Services- Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery does not have authority to mediate this matter. However, discussions are ongoing among state partners involved with CESSA's implementation to figure out how to bring those entities together on behalf of the state's constituents who would benefit from a coordinated response to their care needs.
6. Are CESSA and the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity- (SAFE-T) Act the same?
No, there is no legislative or operational connection between CESSA and the SAFE-T Act.
