How to Respond to a Crisis:

Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS), is a crisis mental health service program for children and adolescents, who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency. SASS agencies provide intensive mental health services for eligible children and youth who may need hospitalization, or community based mental health care. SASS services are available by calling the CARES line.

The Lifeline:

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Sample Safety Plan:

For some children it is not a question of ‘if’, but rather a question of ‘when’ a crisis will occur and in those cases some advance planning can make a big difference in getting the care and intervention needed for your child and for your family.

If you have a safety plan in place it should list steps and strategies to help you. If you can plan what you will do, who will contact and where you might go for help during a crisis it can be incredibly helpful.