Theplano CO-responder project is a partnership between lifepath systems (lead applicant and mental health agency partner) and plano police department (criminal justice agency partner) with a purpose…

The Plano Co-Responder Project is a $550,000 grant awarded on October 1, 2023 by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Criminal and Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (CFDA 16.745). The project aims to improve law enforcement-behavioral health crisis response collaboration in Plano, Texas, targeting adults with mental health disorders (MHDs) or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (MHSUDs) who come into contact with law enforcement. Key activities include creating two co-responder teams of police officers and mental health professionals, providing evidence-based screening, assessment, and care coordination services during crisis calls, and delivering ongoing training on culturally appropriate crisis response. The grant recipient, Collin County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center (dba Lifepath Systems), will work in partnership with the Plano Police Department to implement the project over a 3-year period.

Theplano CO-responder project is a partnership between lifepath systems (lead applicant and mental health agency partner) and plano police department (criminal justice agency partner) with a purpose and goal to improve the law enforcement-behavioral health crisis response collaboration efforts in the city of plano that target people with mental health disorders (mhds) or CO-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (mhsuds) and promote public health and public safety. Lifepath is seeking $550,000 to implement the project over a 3-year period. The project will address the program-specific priority area of promoting effective strategies by law enforcement to identify and reduce the risk of harm to individuals with MHD/mhsud who encounter law enforcement. The target population will be approximately 2,000 adults (ages 18+) in the city of plano with MHD/mhsud who come into contact with law enforcement, including those who are homeless or live in ZIP code areas 75074, 75023, 75025, and 75075, which have higher rates of MHD/mhsud crisis calls compared to other areas in plano. Primary project activities include: 1) creating two CO-responder teams comprised of one officer and one mental health professional dispatched to in-progress police calls involving people with MHD/mhsud; 2) providing evidence-based risk and need screening and assessment, and connecting individuals to appropriate services during crisis calls, when appropriate; 3) providing follow-up and care coordination services for people served by the CO-responder teams; 4) engaging in ongoing training for culturally appropriate crisis response efforts for both partners using a DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) lens; and 5) contracting with an external consultant to facilitate planning activities, as well as help design and implement a comprehensive plan for collecting, monitoring, and reporting performance measurements. Expected outcomes include (1) the development of a comprehensive law enforcement-behavioral health response program for people with MHD/mhsud in the city of plano to reduce their need for higher levels of care, reduce likelihood of future crisis episodes involving law enforcement, and assist with their long-term recovery; (2) provision of evidence-based services; and (3) ongoing program assessments for efficacy and effectiveness, including as IT pertains to racial equity and removing barriers to access to treatment and services. Lifepath systems is not a previous recipient of jmhcp or connect and protect grant funds.