June 1, 2011

ATLANTA (GA) - Georgians with developmental disabilities who are experiencing behavior- related crises can call 1-800-715-4225 to get help. On June 1, the Georgia Crisis Response System (GCRS) will provide stabilization to individuals in their home instead of traditionally offering temporary and immediate care (TIC) in mental health facilities. GCRS is an extension of community supports that have been put in place by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to respond to individuals who are experiencing crises in the community.

“This service adds to the continuum of care as we continue to establish community supports,” said DBHDD Commissioner Frank Shelp. “It’s important for people to lead a successful life and this mobile crisis response system offers support for people with developmental disabilities to do just that.”

The mobile crisis service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to families, providers and people who have been diagnosed with developmental disabilities. GCRS is a means of last resort which is a designed to provide services on a time-limited basis to all individuals with developmental disabilities who are facing a behavior-related crisis.

Typically, people meet the criteria for this service if they have documented evidence of an intellectual disability prior to age 18 or other closely related DD diagnosis prior to age 22 and /or has a screening pinpointing DD; presents a substantial risk of imminent harm to self and other; needs evaluation, stabilization and care; or the individual has no community supports to meet his or her needs.

For more information, please visit the Georgia Crisis Response System website or call GCRS at 1-800-715-4225.

Contact Information:

Kristie N. Swink ([email protected])