The Foundation 2 Law Enforcement Liaison program works with area law enforcement agencies to provide specialized mental health care responses to mental health-related calls. Our trained crisis counselors work to navigate and de-escalate mental health-related situations and connect individuals with community resources.
Law Enforcement Liaisons
Law Enforcement Liaison program
We understand that situations involving mental health concerns can sometimes require an emergency response. The Foundation 2 law enforcement liaison program helps connect people experiencing an emergency mental health situation with the best resources possible. Our trained crisis counselors respond to calls involving potential or confirmed mental health concerns, typically alongside local police. These services are available to everyone in the service area, regardless of situation, income or other demographics.
Liaison services work to reduce unnecessary hospitalization or jail time for mental-health-related crises. Many law enforcement departments also report a reduction in repeated mental-health-related calls.
A majority of calls are resolved with stabilization in the community, allowing individuals to remain at home and receive supportive services, improving their well-being and reducing future law-enforcement involvement. Individuals can also be connected with hospitalization, a crisis stabilization bed, and other community supports.
This service is currently available through the:
- Cedar Rapids Police Department
- Benton County Sheriff’s Department (including the Vinton Police Department, Belle Plaine Police Department, and Urbana Police Department)
- Marion Police Department
- Linn County Sheriff’s Department
- Hiawatha Police Department
- Delaware County Sheriff
- Dubuque County Sheriff
In FY22, we responded to
1
police co-responder dispatches
How We Can Help
The local fire department, police department, and area ambulance service were called to the residence of an adult individual daily – sometimes multiple times per day – due to mental health crises and manic behaviors.
The Foundation 2 Law Enforcement Liaison walked through a committal process with the individual’s mother and father, and the individual was able to access a higher level of care at a mental health facility.
The Foundation 2 Law Enforcement Liaison has continued to work with the family to ensure that safe guardianship can be established and helped advocated for further care in the community.
How We Can Help
An adult with multiple serious mental health diagnoses wandered out alone on a nature trail. They walked until they reached a construction zone, became disoriented, and panicked. They called 911 for support. Guided by dispatch, the Foundation 2 Law Enforcement Liaison was able to navigate through the trail and construction zone and find the client, who was pacing the trail, anxious and scared. The Foundation 2 Law Enforcement Liaison was able to de-escalate the client, build trust, do an evaluation, and transport them to a Crisis Stabilization Bed for continued support.
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