The Crisis and Re-Stabilization Emergency Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Team, funded by the Erie County Department of Mental Health, serves families and youth of Erie County experiencing psychiatric or behavioral emergencies. The mission of the C.A.R.E.S. team is to assist families in resolving crisis situations in the community as quickly and effectively as possible.

The C.A.R.E.S. Team looks to empower parents to more effectively manage crisis situations, link families with appropriate services and supports in the community, and avoid any unnecessary out of home placements for youth. The C.A.R.E.S. Team is on call 24 hours a day/seven days a week. When a call comes in the staff conducts a clinically based triage to determine with the family or requestor of services, the most appropriate response to the concerns expressed.

 

The C.A.R.E.S. Team will conduct visits in the community, either at home, school, or another location in order to complete an assessment or to provide interventions to the family and youth. When necessary, the team will link families with community mental health providers on an emergency basis. Also, the C.A.R.E.S. team can coordinate a psychiatric evaluation for individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others. The C.A.R.E.S. Team works closely with police agencies, schools, and mental health providers to ensure that the needs of youth with psychiatric and behavioral issues are adequately addressed.