Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Secures Funding for Innovative Crisis Call Diversion Program Implementation
Lisa Valadez | 1/30/2024, 12:32 p.m.
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) proudly unveils the Crisis Call Diversion Program (CCD), a transformative initiative shaping the landscape of mental health response strategies. Made possible by a $349,616 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, this groundbreaking program collaborates with local mental health authority Texana to embed professionals within the 911 call center. The grant supports both the CCD's implementation and the inclusion of two trained personnel positions provided by Texana.
The CCD extends the ongoing partnership between FBCSO and Texana, evolving from the Crisis Intervention Team and Co-Responder Program initiated in 2015. Now fully operational, the CCD aims to provide immediate and specialized assistance for low-risk mental health calls, offering a tailored response without requiring law enforcement intervention. Sheriff Eric Fagan expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort and emphasized the CCD's commitment to community well-being.
Designed to divert crisis calls to professional counseling or service providers where appropriate, the CCD ensures that emergency situations promptly reach first responders. This proactive approach anticipates a reduction in the need for law enforcement intervention in non-life-threatening situations where mental health professionals can safely manage the call. FBCSO is dedicated to the success of the CCD, looking forward to serving community members experiencing mental health crises through this groundbreaking program.
For more information about the Crisis Call Diversion Program, visit the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office here.