Indiana Crisis Management Services

Contributed by Marci Wheeler, M.S.W.

Statewide implementation of the Crisis Management Services Program by Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services began as of September 17, 2007. This program is designed for individuals with developmental disabilities who are experiencing severe behavioral or psychiatric issues which threaten their health and welfare, or that of others.

The program is designed to deliver supports in a timely and intensive manner to children and adults with developmental disabilities who are already receiving services, as well as those who are not currently receiving services but are likely to be found eligible according to state guidelines.

The state is working with Meridian Services, a mental health provider, and Anthony Wayne Services (AWS), a provider of services for persons with developmental disabilities, to deliver these services. Those not experiencing this level of need will be referred elsewhere.

Specific Services Offered:

• 24 hour Crisis Hotline phone support;
  
• In-home assessment, technical assistance and behavior intervention;
  
• Out of home intervention on a short term basis; and
  
• Post crisis follow-along.
  
  

How to Access Crisis Management Services

Access is available to this program 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, by calling directly to the Crisis Management Services office in your region. Any parent, guardian, or service provider may make a referral.

The initial call to the hotline will be answered immediately or a message left will receive a response within 30 minutes. The crisis specialist will determine whether immediate assessment at a local hospital is needed, if not, an appropriate in-home assessment will be made by the behavior consultant/crisis specialist within 24 hours. After the initial assessment is done and needs are determined, individualized referrals, assistance and resources will be offered.

Three regional offices, north, south and central, have been formed to facilitate availability and access to these statewide services. The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DRRS) took their Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) eight District Offices and grouped them into three regional areas to facilitate access to Crisis Management Services.

Using the groupings of BDDS District Offices provided in this article, find the county in which you reside. You will then find the BDDS District which covers your county. Then check to see if the BDDS District Office is listed in the North, Central, or South region.

The 24-hour phone numbers for the three Crisis Management Services Offices are as follows:

This comprehensive state wide program will enable children and adults with more challenging behaviors, who qualify, to remain in the community with crisis management services provided for extreme behavioral and/or psychiatric issues.

Wheeler. (2008). Indiana Crisis Management Services. The Reporter 13(2), 11-12.