Voluntary in-home youth crisis program presented as alternative to ER visits

Committee members received a presentation on a voluntary, short-term in-home crisis-intervention program for youth that aims to prevent psychiatric hospitalizations by providing immediate family-focused support and safety planning. The presenter described the model as serving 6–9 families at a time in the local service area and delivering about three hours of therapy each week alongside 24/7 phone coaching for caregivers.

“This is a free service. No health insurance is needed, and it's fully funded by, office of mental health in New York state,” the presenter told the committee. Members pressed on whether the service can be activated in an active school crisis; staff said enrollment and a referral are normally required but in practice clinicians sometimes prepare intake paperwork while a youth remains in an emergency room so follow-up care can start quickly. Committee members recommended distributing program information to the district’s guidance counselors and exploring partnership channels so police and schools can refer families before hospitalization becomes necessary. No formal vote was taken; the committee asked staff to follow up on referral pathways and outreach materials.