Federal standards will change how mental health agencies respond to crises. 

Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and explains there is a movement to align with the federal government.

According to Kirkman, Illinois is taking steps to get out in front of the coming changes. He explains the State is asking agencies to respond to the origination of the call. He notes, it is also an effort to get away from law enforcement having to respond to these types of calls. 

Much discussion has centered around the role of law enforcement in responding to these calls. Kirkman appreciates the security law enforcement can provide to those situations and hopes they would be a part of this new process.

Kirkman also believes there could be a liability in sending a social worker to an emergency setting as it relates to liability. He wonders if body cameras or something of that ilk would be necessary.

Part of the changes is having a person who responds with experience in addiction and mental health challenges. Kirkman indicates the Piatt County Mental Health Center recently received a grant that would introduce a similar program for outreach purposes locally. We'll have more on that in the days ahead on Regional Radio News.