DeSoto City Officials Revamp CARES Team to Enhance Community Mental Health Response

In a recent DeSoto City Council meeting held on September 2, 2025, significant discussions centered around the restructuring of the city's community engagement and crisis response teams. The meeting highlighted the city's commitment to enhancing public safety and community support through a revamped approach to mental health and social services.

One of the key topics was the introduction of two community engagement officers who will proactively interact with residents, homeowners associations, and local businesses. These officers aim to foster communication regarding economic development and public safety, working closely with the city manager's office and the communications department. This initiative is designed to ensure that community members receive timely information and support, marking a shift towards a more engaged and responsive city administration.

The council also addressed the restructuring of the DeSoto Cares team, which is transitioning to a new model focused on mental health and social services. The current team will not be disbanded but rather "reinvented," integrating existing personnel into a new framework that includes additional roles such as paramedics and clinicians. This change aims to improve the city's response to mental health crises by allowing the team to engage at the point of impact, rather than solely providing follow-up care. The new model is expected to enhance the effectiveness of crisis interventions, aligning with national best practices for community crisis response.

During the discussions, council members expressed concerns about the personnel changes and the effectiveness of the new model. However, city officials reassured them that no jobs would be lost in the transition, and the existing staff would be incorporated into the new structure. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong support system for residents facing mental health challenges, particularly in light of recent events in the community.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the onboarding process for the city's golf club, which involves transitioning financial management from private to public accounting standards. This process will require additional resources and professional services to ensure compliance and proper integration into the city's financial systems.

Overall, the DeSoto City Council's discussions reflect a proactive approach to community engagement and mental health services, aiming to create a more responsive and supportive environment for residents. As these initiatives move forward, the council will continue to evaluate their effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary to meet the needs of the community.