The mobile crisis response is intended for crisis calls and, when needed, to physically offer staff assistance using a trained individual expert or a qualified team.  The following provides detailed information regarding the mobile training and crisis team services coordinated by the Center for Positive Living Supports.

When should mobile training/crisis team services be initiated?

Only if recommendations made by Center personnel during a Consultation are unsuccessful.  Utilization of the Mobile Training/Crisis Team will occur only after approval by DCH and the Center.

What are the pre-requisites for mobile training services?

The following conditions must be met prior to DCH approval and the Center’s deployment of the Mobile Team:

1. The CMHSP has arranged for the direct care staff to be trained in gentle approaches for interacting with and responding to individuals.
2. The CMHSP is committed to following the recommendations of the Mobile Training/Crisis Team.
3. The CMHSP reviewed or tried all local options which may include:
   1. Adding resources
   2. Use of expert advice
   3. Change of direct service provider
   4. Movement to a different smaller setting
4. The CMHSP is involved from the first day of service in the development of a training plan in preparation for supporting the individual after the Mobile Team’s commitment ends.
5. The Center has received a signed Release of Information form.
6. The Center has received requested information which may include any or all of the following (electronic transmission would expedite the process):
   • Contact information for physicians, including psychiatrists
   • Physical – Including blood work, medication list, other physical needs
   • Incident reports for the prior six months
   • Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Reviews for the prior twelve months
   • Reports of psychiatric hospitalizations for the prior twelve months
   • Psychological Evaluation, current support plan and periodic reviews for the prior twelve months
   • School or vocational reports for the prior six months
   • Any reports of involvement with the justice system for the prior two years
   • Any recipient rights issue for the prior twelve months
   • Staffing pattern in current living environment including changes for the prior six months
   • Description of the current living environment – physical plant, who the individual lives with and a brief description of their needs
7. The need for medical or psychiatric hospitalization has been ruled out.
8. The Center has approved the request for training within 48 hours of receipt of the packet of information.
9. Identification of which CMHSP staff will be involved in the process.
10. The CMHSP representative(s) is committed to be physically present to introduce and endorse the Mobile Team to the home and the caregivers.

What Mobile Training/Crisis Team services are provided?

Once approved, the Center will dispatch a team of staff to the individual’s home based on their needs and environment.   The Mobile Team will usually work together with the Support Coordinator to assist in assessment, problem-solving and coaching activities.  The Center’s team will not be responsible for medication administration, household chores or supervising other individuals or staff.

Initially, the team will work directly with the individual.  It will always be the desire to have the usual caregivers present throughout the entire service.  However, if it is felt that their presence may be detrimental to the Mobile Team’s ability to develop rapport with the individual, they may be asked to leave the home temporarily.

Within the first eight hours of service, the individual’s care-givers will be asked to participate in the structure and interaction patterns established by the team.  The team members will coach and mentor the individual’s care-givers in this process.  The manager and shift leader need to be the first staff working directly with the Mobile Team and the individual.

How long will the Mobile Team provide support?

The Mobile Team will serve the individual up to two weeks.  The Center’s Supports Coordinator will be assessing and monitoring the progress of the mobile team several times weekly in conjunction with representatives of the CMHSP.   In some circumstances, it may be determined that the length of service will be extended beyond two weeks, with permission from DCH.

When will mobile transition/crisis services be terminated?

When it is determined that the needs are met, an exit meeting will be held with representatives of the Center and CMHSP to share recommendations and future support needs.  The individual, their family/guardian and caregivers may also be present during this exit meeting.  The recommendations may include the following:

• Environmental  Issues - physical plant including the location, schedules, use of staff, activities, relationships with housemates
• Staff skills/training issues
• Maintenance of staff skills – in-home training, staff meetings, morale building