The Daniel’s Law Task Force has issued its recommendations for developing a statewide model for a health-led behavioral health crisis response. In a report delivered to Governor Kathy Hochul and state legislators nearly a year ahead of schedule, the task force recommends establishing health-led teams using standardized protocols for behavioral health crisis response, forming a technical assistance center, and piloting initiatives that recognize the unique character of New York communities.
Established by legislation in response to the death of 41-year-old Daniel Prude, of Rochester, in 2020, the task force was charged with developing recommendations to guide behavioral health crisis response and explore avenues for related diversion services. Following its inaugural meeting in August 2023, the task force has spent more than a year studying presentations on different behavioral health crisis response models to inform their work.
The task force recommendations call for the state to establish a protocol so that 911 or 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline calls involving a behavioral health crisis receive a health-led response by individuals specifically trained in crisis services. This could be initially implemented through pilot programs working in collaboration with the technical assistance center to inform further statewide implementation.
Teams should be dispatched to mental health or substance use calls, and on behavioral health wellness checks, according to the task force recommendation. Law enforcement should only be involved in instances where there is a threat of violence, the task force recommends.
The task force recommends establishing several behavioral health response team pilot programs in large, medium, and small cities, as well as rural areas, and focus on developing sustainable models. As these teams are implemented, communities should develop partnerships –including with individuals having lived experience –to participate in designing the system of care, assess the available resources, and work to develop a network of quality accessible services.
In addition, the task force recommends the state establish a Technical Assistance Center to collaborate with stakeholders –including the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the state Emergency Medical Services Council, local communities, and 988 call centers –to develop protocols for a health-led response to behavioral health crisis. This center should also provide training and assistance to local communities in implementing best practice protocols and monitoring their effectiveness and have an advisory council of key stakeholders, with most of them being individuals with lived experience.
Additionally, the task force has conducted several listening sessions, which have provided an opportunity for members to hear directly from New Yorkers about their views on enhancing behavioral health crisis responses. These sessions have also solicited input on the best practices for engaging individuals in crisis, with a specific emphasis on equity.
In-person listening sessions were conducted at the state University of New York at Stony Brook on Jan. 11, at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan on Jan. 18, and at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County on May 8. Virtual listening sessions were also conducted in November and April.
Task Force members also entertained several presentations from experts across North America concerning crisis response strategies and service models. This included localities in New York State and Toronto.
In addition to the report, NYSTEC –the firm retained to support the task force –provided an extensive list of resources in a summary of findings.
