Social workers urge passage of 'Tanisha's Law' as supporters press council for civilian crisis response

Public comment at the meeting included sustained support for Tanisha’s Law, a proposed ordinance to create a Department of Community Crisis Response and a non‑police crisis response model.

Stephanie Ash, a licensed social worker who said she represents the National Association of Social Workers Ohio chapter and serves on the Care Response Committee for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County, told council that Cleveland needs a robust non‑police mental health crisis response. “When people are having a mental health crisis the last thing anyone needs is a police officer or a carceral system,” Ash said, arguing clinicians should be the first responders in many crisis situations and that the proposed department must be separate from police.

Ash asked council to pass Tanisha’s Law and to consider budget amendments and Connect & Protect grant resources to embed clinicians in 911 dispatch. She noted the proposal has been before the council for more than a year and that the death of Tanisha Anderson in police custody remains an unresolved context for the measure. Ash invited council to the public safety committee hearing scheduled for Thursday, December 4 at 1 p.m.

Other commenters in the public‑comment block also referenced community needs and civic reforms; some speakers praised outgoing councilmembers who had championed housing and community services. The meeting record includes announcements that the draft legislation and transition memos exist and that supporters plan to continue engagement in committee.

Next steps: supporters indicated the measure will be discussed further at the public safety committee; the council clerk and committees will carry any formal ordinance referrals and budget amendment proposals into committee schedules.