Larimer County presents full sequential‑intercept map; stakeholders call for expanded crisis response, housing and data sharing

Larimer County commissioners on Sept. 15 received a full sequential‑intercept mapping (SIM) briefing that maps how people with mental‑health and substance‑use needs move through crisis, policing, courts, jail, reentry and community supports — and lays out gaps and priorities for action.

The two‑day workshop that produced the map brought 53 participants from more than 35 agencies and was facilitated by Policy Research Associates. Emily Humphrey, director of Community Justice Alternatives, told the Board the county now has a signed data‑sharing business agreement and is near completion of a universal release‑of‑information form intended to support coordinated care across agencies.

Why it matters: The mapping is designed to reduce unnecessary criminal‑justice system involvement by improving crisis intervention, continuity of care and reentry supports. Presenters said addressing transportation, housing shortages, limited in‑custody behavioral‑health capacity and inconsistent information sharing are priorities that could reduce repeat arrests, hospitalizations and unmet treatment needs.

Workshop, scope and immediate findings

The SIM exercise reviewed five intercepts — from community crisis response (Intercept 0) through law enforcement response, initial detention and court (Intercepts 1–3) to reentry and community corrections (Intercepts 4–5). Brandy Odegard of Alternative Sentencing said Policy Research Associates limited attendance to preserve focused discussion; the event still included participants from law enforcement, courts, public defense and prosecution, treatment providers, peer specialists, community corrections, housing and homelessness programs.

Callie Toll, clinical director at…