Laura Usher 2011 NAMI Convention July 8, 2011

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is designed to improve the outcomes of law enforcement interactions with people living with mental illness through: Partnerships; Planning for jail diversion; Law enforcement training; and Inclusion of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

What percentage of youth with mental illness receive appropriate treatment?  15%  20%  35%  45% Answer: 20%

What percentage of youth in the juvenile justice system have a mental health condition?  30%  50%  70%  85% Answer: 70%

CIT for Youth is an expansion of the CIT model that focuses on responding to children and youth with mental health needs. –New partnerships –Diversion from juvenile justice –Youth-specific crisis de-escalation training –Involvement of youth with mental health needs and their families

The CIT for Youth implementation manual lays out a step-by-step process for implementing CIT for Youth.

Audience CIT leaders (law enforcement, NAMI Affiliates, providers, school leaders) and other community leaders, or leaders in communities interested in CIT for Youth. Five steps Each includes a “how-to”, templates and worksheets. Provides examples, but is not a rigid prescription Every community should adapt the program to their needs.

Step 1: Building Community Partnerships Step 2: Conducting Asset Mapping Step 3: Planning and Coordinating Step 4: Planning a CIT for Youth Training Step 5: Measuring Effectiveness and Ensuring Sustainability

To learn more, check out Manual available for purchase or download. Copies available at the back of the room. Contact: