Alternative First Responder Models Can Support Youth in Crisis

Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and in partnership with the Center for Policing Equity

Youth with behavioral health needs are a primary concern for juvenile justice systems across the country, as they often bounce between detention, hospitals, and the community without continuity of care. Developing alternative first responder models and diversion policies can help address this by meeting youth’s health needs in the community instead of through the justice system. These new approaches directly respond to youth’s needs as health concerns rather than as public safety issues. Join us for a virtual discussion to learn how states and counties have implemented alternative approaches and diversion policies that meet youth’s needs more effectively.

Speakers:

• Yecenia Casiano, Senior Project Coordinator, Child Health and Development Institute
• Cory Pedersen, Director of Children and Family Services Section, North Dakota Department of Human Services
• Sarah Troy, Executive Director, The Juvenile Assessment Center 
• Stephanie Ueberall, Deputy Program Director, CSG Justice Center