The Youth CRT responds in the schools and the community while coordinating with the community-based response teams. The aim is to ensure young people and their families are connected to needed mental health and substance use disorder services and there is effective communication between school, home and community.
In May of 2019, upon review of 2018 data, and following the STEM School shooting, the Douglas County Commissioners appropriated $331,250 to support ongoing funding for the creation of a Youth Community Response Team. The Youth CRT is designed to complement the efforts of schools to comprehensively address mental health and substance use disorder needs.
Since the launch of the YCRT in November of 2019, the team has served more than 1,000 youth and responded to 450 active 911 calls. Their work to get youth to the right resources kept 132 youth from the emergency room and relieved 295 officers.
Visit the Colorado Crisis Services for more information. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
