Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution requests the Dane County Criminal Justice Council to work with work with the Madison Fire Chief or his designee, and the Director of Community Development Office or his designee to create an implementation plan for a Mental Health First Responder pilot in the City of Madison. It is anticipated that any costs associated with the development of this plan can be handled with existing resources. No appropriation is required.
Title
Requesting the Dane County Criminal Justice Council to work with City of Madison staff to create an implementation plan for a Mental Health First Responder pilot in the City of Madison.
Body
WHEREAS, while about 3 percent of U.S. adults suffer from a severe mental illness, they make up a quarter to one-half of all fatal law enforcement encounters; and,
WHEREAS, many residents are only able to access emergency care, and are not able to follow up with needed services; and,
WHEREAS, Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS) is a 24/7 “innovative model for mobile crisis intervention that would otherwise be handled by public safety or emergency medical response” operating in Eugene, Oregon since 1989; and,
WHEREAS, Denver, Oakland, and Indianapolis are among other US cities that have been inspired by the CAHOOTS program to create their own Mental Health intervention program; and,
WHEREAS the Dane County Criminal Justice Council created the Behavioral Health Subcommittee in May of 2019 and said subcommittee focuses on the intersection of behavioral health conditions and the criminal justice system in Dane County; and,
WHEREAS, the Dane County Criminal Justice Council’s Behavioral Health Subcommittee has the ability to study the implementation of a Mental Health First Responder pilot program in Madison and Dane County; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council hereby requests the Dane County Criminal Justice Council to direct the CJCBH to work with the Madison Fire Chief or his designee, and the Director of Community Development Office, or his designee, to research and develop an implementation plan for a Mental Health First Responder pilot in the City of Madison; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Madison Fire Chief or his designee, or the Director of Community Development Office or his designee report back on an implementation plan to the Madison Common Council for approval by October 15, 2020.