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Kenosha County public safety social worker reports early diversions from emergency detentions
Summary
Kristen Rabidoux, the county’s new embedded public safety social worker, told supervisors that in her first three weeks she handled 14 referrals and diverted two potential emergency detentions into voluntary placements.
Kristen Rabidoux, a licensed clinical social worker embedded with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, briefed supervisors on early activity in her new role and the initial outcomes for people encountered through law enforcement and schools.
Why it matters: the position is intended to provide on‑scene assessment, linkages to community resources and follow‑up to reduce emergency detentions and hospital transports.
Key details
- Caseload and outcomes: Rabidoux said she started March 10 and, within three weeks, received 14 calls or referrals. She reported two diversions of potential emergency detentions to voluntary placements and six cases that did not require social‑worker contact after initial screening. She also reported doing multiple follow‑up contacts, including work to keep a student in class through collaboration with a school resource officer.
- Settings served: Rabidoux said she responded to Wilmot High School, the Kenosha County Jail, community homes and an emergency department, and that she has coordinated with hospital social workers to reduce deputies’ time tied up at hospital evaluations.
- Collaboration: Rabidoux described ride‑alongs with deputies and conversations with school resource officers. Her presentation followed an invitation from county leadership to answer questions after the patrol and sheriff office presentations.
What officials said
County staff thanked Rabidoux for the report and invited supervisors to ask follow‑up questions. Supervisors and staff noted interest in tracking outcomes over a longer period as the program grows.
Ending
Rabidoux said she would be available for questions after the meeting and supervisors were invited to follow up for further information.
