Objective
Program Description
Building a Unified Crisis Continuum
Under the leadership of the Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO), the Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) are partnering closely to advance a unified, comprehensive crisis response framework known as the Illinois Unified Crisis Continuum (UCC). Using the UCC framework, Illinois is adapting and implementing the Three Essential Elements of SAMHSA’s 2025 National Guidelines for a Behavioral Health Coordinated System of Crisis Care (https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/national-guidelines-crisis-care-pep24-01-037.pdf): someone to contact, someone to respond, and a safe place for help. In doing so, the State is ensuring that individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, have equitable access to timely, appropriate, high-quality crisis care and follow up in a community setting.
Achieving this vision requires interagency alignment on crisis service definitions and expectations, allowing for the maximization of federal financial participation through the Illinois Medicaid program whenever possible. Doing so reserves DBHR’s grant funding for serving individuals who receive crisis services and are uninsured or underinsured, including those not enrolled in one of the medical assistance programs administered by HFS.
This program supports the someone to respond element of the continuum in alignment with the State’s overall UCC vision and plan.
Illinois Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA)
Implementation of the Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA) is woven into the UCC framework and this program. CESSA requires that individuals who call 911 Public Safety Answering Points (911) due to a behavioral health crisis receive a behavioral health response, rather than a law enforcement only response, when appropriate. Accordingly, Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) is increasingly available through calls that start with 911, connecting the UCC to the State’s traditional crisis response system; the 911 to 988 to MCR connection will be implemented statewide by July 1, 2027.
Behavioral Health Crisis
For the purposes of MCR, a behavioral health crisis is defined as a situation in which an individual no longer knows how to respond to, or lacks the capacity to resolve, an escalating situation for themselves or a loved one and is consequently in emotional and/or physiological distress. Such a crisis requires time-sensitive intervention and may involve imminent risks, including but not limited to: suicidal ideation, substance use challenges, risk of harm to self or others, or other dangerous behaviors. A behavioral health crisis may occur when an individual’s stress, emotional pain, trauma history, health condition, or life circumstances overwhelm their coping skills.
Mobile Crisis Response Services: Program Overview
The Grantee will directly operate crisis services that include Mobile Crisis Response, Crisis Stabilization and Crisis Intervention, as outlined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code Rule 140.453 (https://ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/089/089001400D04530R.html), or successor rule, as well as the requirements included in this grant opportunity.
This grant is meant to boost MCR within the CCBHC’s coverage area for unfunded individuals in need of out-of-office, in-person crisis services.
Grantees providing crisis services shall:
1. Operate MCR services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (24/7/365).
2. Provide crisis response that is team-based, on-demand and community-based. The team is comprised of at least 2 responders: (1) a crisis clinician who, at minimum, meets the qualifications of a Mental Health Professional and (2) a peer support specialist who meets, at minimum, the criteria outlined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453(b)(7), or who is credentialed as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS). Upon referral, provide in-person crisis response to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis within the following time frames (urban and rural classification: https://www.idph.state.il.us/RuralHealth/Rur_Urb_2021.pdf) :
a. Within 60 minutes in urban counties;
b. Within 60 minutes for any call originating from 911, regardless of geographic location; or
c. Within 90 minutes in rural counties for any call not originating from 911.
3. Accept referrals for crisis services via a variety of referents, including but not limited to, 988 transfers, 911 crisis calls transferred to 988, direct calls to the Grantee, or other State-supported and regulated dispatch entities as determined appropriate by DBHR.
4. Upon arrival at the location of the individual in crisis, provide crisis assessment, de-escalation, safety planning, linkage and referral to appropriate levels of care or community resources, and arrange transportation when necessary.
5. Following the initial crisis event, conduct at least three follow-up contacts with the customer at the following intervals: 1) 24 hours, 2) 48 hours, 3) 72 hours, and 4) as needed for up to 30 days.
6. Ensure that, upon completion of crisis follow-up services, the customer is connected to ongoing care and support services, as appropriate.
7. Coordinate with other UCC providers and crisis care providers as needed, including but not limited to: other Mobile Crisis Response providers, non state-funded mobile crisis response providers, co-response teams, EMS, and law enforcement.
8. Minimize involvement of law enforcement in crisis response, when appropriate, while prioritizing the safety of the individual being served and Grantee staff.
9. Minimize the use of jails as a place to go for individuals in behavioral health crisis.
10. Minimize the use of more restrictive services, such as emergency departments and psychiatric inpatient facilities, whenever appropriate.
Performance Requirements
1. Provider eligibility
Grantees must be actively enrolled in the Illinois Medical Assistance Program as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
Grantees must be CCBHCs seeking DHS-DBHR disbursement of funds to support unfunded individuals.
2. Individuals Served
Grantees shall serve individuals of all ages experiencing a behavioral health crisis who would be best served by an immediate, in-person response. These individuals must be served regardless of payer and can be referred for services through a variety of referents, including, but not limited to: 988 transfer, 911 to 988 transfers, direct referral to the Grantee, or other State-sponsored centralized dispatch protocols.
Such crises are not intended to include, among other situations, individuals: with lethal weapons, actively committing criminal activity, and situations where there is an immediate threat to life.
The appropriate level of care is determined by the dispatching entity or, if an individual in crisis or someone reaching out on their behalf contacts the Grantee directly, via a standardized acuity assessment.
3. Stationary Location and Equipment Requirements
a. Physical Location
The Grantee must have a dedicated location that is accessible for MCR staff. The Grantee must establish policies that ensure the physical safety of the environment and determine the maximum safe operating capacity for the space.
b. Location requirements and uses
This physical location shall:
i. Include a safe and secure work area where MCR staff can work without disruption and without others overseeing or overhearing their work. The work area must be well-ventilated, free of smoke, away from extreme heat/cold, out of flood/water danger, have adequate electrical outlets, and good lighting. It must include private spaces distinctly separate from common spaces to accommodate crisis line monitoring and other sensitive matters.
ii. Prominently advertise crisis services, including how to access the MCR, 988, the IDHS Helpline, and any relevant local resources.
iii. Include available parking for vehicles that are used for travel to a crisis location for staff who report to the physical location.
Organizations that provide both 590 – Crisis Care System and 591 – Crisis Care CCBHC services must have separate physical locations for each funding stream unless the CCBHC has worked out a cost allocation plan with HFS.
c. Technology
The Grantee shall maintain the following technology and systems:
i. A dedicated crisis line that is staffed 24/7/365. This telephone number will serve as the designated access point for direct transfers from 988, other call centers, and the community. The crisis line cannot be routed to a personal cell phone or connected to an answering machine or an answering service. Staff who are assigned to answer the line must be trained on the standardized acuity assessment, policies and procedures of MCR services, and the UCC more broadly. Calls must be answered within 30 seconds.
ii. Sufficient technology for crisis staff to remain safe and get in touch with their Program Director, Qualified Mental Health Professional, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, 911, and other needed field supports. This includes a mobile phone and computer for MCR work purposes, such as notification that response to a crisis is needed.
d. Other Equipment
Grantee staff shall have access to the following at all times while in the field:
i. Multiple doses of Naloxone
• The supply of Naloxone should be approximately matched to the needs of their service area for staff use and distribution;
• Staff responding to a crisis call should have access to, at minimum, two boxes of intranasal Naloxone to respond in the event of an active overdose;
• The Grantee should also have a distinct supply of Naloxone for staff response to active overdose that is kept accessible, stored appropriately, and unexpired at all times, that is different from any supply that the Grantee maintains for distribution to clients/ community.
ii. Resource Information Sheet that includes, but is not limited to:
• Contact information for the QMHP;
• Illinois Helpline (including Medication Assisted Recovery NOW, which is available through the Helpline);
• 911 and other crisis services;
• Nearest linkage services including but not limited to: Living Room Programs, Crisis Residential services, inpatient behavioral health centers, etc.; and
• Other services for mental health and substance use.
iii. Additional items to ensure the comfort and general wellbeing of individuals being served, such as: water, masks, gloves, snacks, handwarmers, comfortable clothing, blankets, and first aid supplies.
4. Virtual/Remote Work
Virtual/remote work is permissible when staff are not responding to a crisis in person.
a. Virtual/remote work conditions:
i. The Grantee must develop policies and procedures to ensure staff protect the privacy of individuals in crisis, have sole access to MCR devices, and meet all requirements outlined in 4.a.iv.
ii. MCR staff must have access to a stable internet connection.
iii. MCR staff are expected to arrange for dependent care during scheduled work hours. Staff who have others at home must prevent people in their home or other virtual environment from accessing their computer or mobile phone.
iv. MCR staff must also ensure that conversations, particularly involving Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and/or Protected Health Information (PHI) or any other confidential information regulated by the State and/or Federal government, such as by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act (MHDDCA) be confidential such that others cannot overhear the conversations.
5. Transportation and vehicles
Grantees may utilize grant funds to ensure MCR staff are able to travel to an individual in crisis and subsequently transport or arrange transportation for that individual, where clinically indicated. Grantees must follow transportation guidance provided by DBHR and develop policies and procedures specific to their MCR and community that provide clear guidance for staff to determine under what circumstances individuals may be transported.
Grantees’ MCR services may use agency-owned, leased, or staff-owned vehicles to perform crisis response activities in the community. To ensure compliance with federal and state requirements, all vehicles used for grant-funded activities must meet the standards for allowable activities, vehicle maintenance and safety requirements, insurance, documentation, costs, and safety and crisis response that are outlined in 2 CFR 200 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200) and 44 Illinois Administrative Code 7000 (https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/EntirePart?titlepart=04407000).
6. Hours of Operation
MCR services operate 24/7/365.
7. Service Areas
A service area is the geographic region covered by one grantee within a Designated Service Area: https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalproviders/behavioral/sass/lan.html
A Grantee’s service area does not need to cover an entire DSA. Outside of Cook County, a service area must be made up of one or more whole counties within a DSA. In Cook County, a service area must be made up of whole zip codes within a DSA. For the purposes of this grant, an applicant’s service area(s) must align with their CCBHC coverage area. If their CCBHC spans more than one DSA, the provider must be able to show funds, time and effort, and all other metrics by DSA.
Organizations that are actively participating in the HFS CCBHC Statewide Demonstration as a CCBHC and receiving service reimbursement via a Prospective Payment System (PPS) rate that want to receive IDHS-DBHR grant funds to support MCR services outside their CCBHC service area must apply for 590 – Crisis Care Services.
8. Staffing Requirements
Organizations that provide both 590 – Crisis Care System and 591 – Crisis Care CCBHC services must have separate staff teams for each funding stream unless the CCBHC has worked out a cost allocation plan with HFS.
a. Mobile Crisis Program Director
Grantee shall establish the role of Mobile Crisis Program Director to oversee Grantee’s MCR staff and operations. The Mobile Crisis Program Director shall, at minimum, be a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as defined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453 and shall be responsible for oversight of all mobile crisis response service requirements including, but not limited to:
i. Supervising all mobile crisis response services staff, including training, supervision, and quality assurance;
ii. Communicating with and being available to DBHR staff;
iii. Attending all trainings, technical assistance sessions, cluster meetings, learning collaboratives, and other meetings called by DBHR or DBHR’s partners, and including MCR staff as needed; and
iv. Working with DBHR and local entities to implement CESSA, including the relevant CESSA Regional Advisory Committee(s).
b. Team-Based Mobile Crisis Response
The Grantee shall minimally provide crisis services consistent with the staffing requirements detailed in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453, with the understanding that:
i. The Grantee must build a staffing plan based on safely managing coverage and availability for their service area. The plan must also include provisions to ensure the continuation of 24/7 operations in the event of unexpected circumstances (call outs, resignations, surge in volume, weather, etc.).
ii. It is the expectation of IDHS-DBHR that mobile crisis response services be delivered as a team-based modality with each team being comprised of behavioral health practitioners, including at least:
• a crisis clinician who minimally meets the qualifications of a Mental Health Professional (MHP) as defined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453; and
• a peer support specialist who meets the criteria, at minimum, defined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453(b)(7), or who is credentialed as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), who provides support to individuals in crisis from the peer perspective and in alignment with the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Specialists and Supervisors (https://www.peersupportworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/National-Practice-Guidelines-for-Peer-Specialists-and-Supervisors-1.pdf).
iii. Grantee shall maintain sufficient capacity to adequately respond to all crisis referrals in a timely fashion, which may require staffing of multiple mobile crisis response teams at the same time, based upon historical utilization and service forecasting.
iv. Grantee failure to meet staffing requirements shall be reported to IDHS-DBHR within 24 hours of staffing failure in line with notification guidance provided by DBHR. Notification must include a description of the efforts made to meet the staffing requirement.
c. Availability of QMHP
The Mobile Crisis Program Director, or other QMHP, shall be available at all times for mobile crisis staff responding to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. The staff person shall be available for consultation and may provide direct services as a member of the mobile crisis response team, when meeting the regulatory requirements of 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453.
This includes:
i. Providing consultation regarding mental health crisis;
ii. Safety planning; and
iii. Providing resources to link to treatment.
d. Availability of a Substance Use Professional
The Grantee shall ensure mobile crisis staff responding to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis have 24/7/365 access to a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or comparable substance use professional as approved by DBHR within 6 months after the contract start date. Timeline extensions may be approved at the discretion of DBHR. The QMHP and CADC (or comparable credential) can be the same individual.
This staff person shall be available for consultation related to substance use crisis needs and may provide direct services as a member of the mobile crisis response team, when meeting the regulatory requirements of 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453. This includes:
i. Substance use screening;
ii. Supporting other staff in substance use screening;
iii. Providing consultation regarding substance use crisis;
iv. Safety planning; and
v. Providing resources to link to treatment.
e. Subcontracting
While subgrantee relationships are permitted under this grant, to ensure seamless service delivery, grantees may not utilize subgrantees to fill the Program Manager, Crisis Clinician or Peer Support Specialist role, or to operate their crisis line. Grantees remain wholly responsible for meeting the deliverables and performance measures outlined in the grant agreement and are responsible for managing their subgrantee(s)’ performance.
9. Training Requirements
a. Required Training
Grantee MCR staff must meet the following training requirements:
i. All training as required by 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453 and 140.Table N;
ii. Mobile Crisis Response Training Requirements as created and approved by the CESSA State Advisory Committee Training and Education Subcommittee; and
iii. Substance use training as determined by DBHR.
b. Crisis Line Training
Grantee staff assigned to answer the Grantee’s crisis line must be:
i. Appropriately trained to utilize the standardized crisis triage assessment instrument as required by 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453 and 140.Table N or otherwise approved by DBHR; and
ii. Knowledgeable about the Grantee’s policies and procedures for crisis response, as well as other available community resources.
c. Additional Trainings
DBHR may require additional training on an ad-hoc basis to ensure staff have all necessary skills and knowledge. Completion of these additional training requirements is a condition of this grant.
10. MCR Services Dispatch
a. Dispatch via 988 or Centralized Dispatch
Grantee shall provide an in-person response on a No-Decline Basis, as defined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453 and 140.Table N, for all crisis referrals in their service area received from 988, 911 transfer to 988, or other State-authorized centralized dispatch entity. Grantees shall not reassess such calls before providing an on-site response.
Grantee failure to meet the No-Decline standard shall:
i. Be reported to the referral source before the source disconnects so that an alternative emergency response can be initiated.
ii. Be reported to DBHR within 24 hours of failure utilizing notification guidance provided by DBHR with an explanation as to why a crisis response was not possible and efforts made to provide a response.
This information will help the State ensure individuals in crisis are receiving support in a timely manner as well as identify any provider needs, transfer issues, or system improvements needed to reach service goals.
b. Dispatch via direct call to Grantee
If a Grantee receives a direct call from an individual in crisis or someone calling on behalf of an individual in crisis, they must utilize a standardized crisis triage assessment instrument as required by 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453 and 140.Table N or otherwise approved by DBHR to determine acuity and appropriateness of a mobile crisis response. Results for all direct referral crisis triage assessments shall be logged and provided to DBHR upon request.
11. Service Requirements
a. Crisis Service Delivery Requirements
Grantee shall deliver community-based crisis services to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, regardless of funding source, consistent with 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453, 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.Table N, the HFS Community-Based Behavioral Services (CBS) Provider Handbook, and any companion Interagency Provider Handbook for Providers of Crisis Services issued by HFS and DBHR.
b. Timing
After receiving a dispatch call from any source, MCR staff must arrive on-site where the individual in crisis is located to provide in alignment with the following state mandated timelines:
i. Within 60 minutes in urban counties;
ii. Within 60 minutes for any call originating from 911, regardless of geographic location; or
iii. Within 90 minutes in rural counties for any call not originating from 911.
Rural/urban county classifications can be found here: https://www.idph.state.il.us/RuralHealth/Rur_Urb_2021.pdf.
If the Grantee takes longer than the allotted time to reach the location of the individual in crisis, they must notify DBHR within 24 hours in line with notification guidance provided by DBHR. Notification should include deidentified details of the crisis, how long it took the MCR staff to arrive, and why the MCR staff could not arrive within 60 or 90 minutes.
MCR staff may use telephonic engagement with the individual in crisis while enroute to the location of the crisis, as needed and appropriate for the situation. The use of telephonic engagement in these instances does not negate the requirement for a face-to-face response.
c. Face-to-face Mobile Crisis Response Services
Mobile Crisis Response services will be delivered as a team-based modality with each team being comprised of behavioral health practitioners, including at least: (1) a crisis clinician who, at minimum, meets the qualifications of a Mental Health Professional and (2) a peer support specialist who meets, at minimum, the criteria outlined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453(b)(7), or who is credentialed as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS).
Once at the location of the individual in crisis, the MCR staff must work together to assess the situation, identify the individual(s) on scene, and gauge the needs, challenges, and safety risk(s). Situational assessment includes determining what is and is not working and identifying specific strategies for offering on-site support for the individual in crisis.
During the face-to-face MCR response, the MCR staff will work together to support the individual in de-escalating the immediate crisis, screen and assess the individual, develop a crisis prevention and safety plan, and arrange transportation, as is appropriate.
Peer Support Specialist:
Unless otherwise clinically indicated, the peer support specialist will be the first to engage the individual in crisis, taking the time to listen, connect, establish trust, and empower the individual to engage with other MCR staff.
Peer support specialists serve as crucial "translators" by bridging gaps between individuals in crisis and clinical staff through lived experience, explaining clinical jargon in practical, conversational language; advocating for the individuals’ choices and needs; and reducing power imbalances. They don't just translate words but meaning, connecting clinical instructions to real life, fostering and supporting the individuals’ self-directed choices and options.
MCR staff who are peer support specialists are expected to provide hope-filled engagement and support for the individual in crisis, including but not limited to: providing authentic empathy and validation; supporting individuals in advocating for their own choices, needs, and rights; offering to share relevant personal lived experiences (healthy self-disclosure); and providing resources and/or other information related to navigating systems.
In alignment with the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Specialists and Supervisors and Peer Support Services Across the Crisis Continuum (Publication No. PEP24-01-019. Rockville, MD, of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2024), peer support specialists will not be expected to assess, diagnose, or treat; force or coerce others to participate in services; prepare, witness, or file a petition for involuntary commitment; express or exercise power over others; fix or do for others what they can do for themselves; assume they know what the other person is feeling; or prescribe or recommend medications or monitor their use.
Crisis Clinician:
MCR staff who are crisis clinicians are expected to hold primary responsibility for conducting a crisis screening and assessment which minimally includes the completion of the Illinois Crisis Assessment Tool (I-CAT) and a substance use screeningas outlined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.453, 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.Table N or otherwise determined by DBHR.
Crisis clinicians must observe, identify, and interpret behavioral health cues; recognize signs of medical distress, distinguish mental health, substance-related, and physical underlying factors; and respond in ways that reduce re-traumatization
Additionally, crisis clinicians are responsible for facilitating any linkages to higher levels of care, if such need is identified in the assessment; and for completing clear, accurate, and thorough documentation of the crisis service(s) provided.
Additional details on universal substance use screening and additional screening tools will be included in the Program Manual. In keeping with person-centered team-based care, there should be transparent communication and respect for all members of the team; consideration and support of the ethical and emotional implications of any decisions made related to involuntary treatment; and a debriefing after the decision to improve team cohesion and improve the quality of care within the team and organization.
d. Telehealth
It is expected that the overwhelming majority of crisis responses will be conducted face-to-face. The use of telehealth to conduct the required activities may be used only in the following select circumstances:
i. Natural disaster or inclement weather when travel to the individual in crisis is deemed unsafe for staff.
ii. The presence of a contagious medical condition that cannot be adequately mitigated at the location of the crisis.
iii. If the person in crisis, a family member, or other caregiver expressly requests that mobile crisis response services be provided using telehealth. A request for telehealth from a referent who is not the person in crisis or their parent, caregiver, legal guardian is not sufficient justification for the use of telehealth.
iv. Grantee must exhaust all options available to it (e.g., on-call or other backup staff) before delivering a telehealth response except under the circumstances identified in 11.d.i, 11.d.ii, and 11.d.iii above.
Providers must notify DBHR within 24 hours following the use of a telehealth crisis response in a situation that is expressly prohibited. Such notification must be in line with notification guidance provided by DBHR.
e. Documentation
Grantee must maintain digital documentation for each mobile crisis response, including case notes, which can be made available to DBHR for review. Case notes must minimally include an overview of the initial request for service, MCR response, and outcome. Additionally, the Grantee must be able to collect all data elements outlined in Section 14.
Grantee must develop policies and procedures to ensure Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and/or Protected Health Information (PHI) or any other confidential information regulated by the State and/or Federal government, such as by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act (MHDDCA), remain confidential.
f. Medicaid-funded Team-based Mobile Crisis Response
Team-based mobile crisis response for individuals enrolled in one of the medical assistance programs administered by HFS shall be billed consistent with the CCBHC billing guidelines . Grantees are responsible for employing all reasonable methods to determine whether service recipients are eligible for an HFS medical assistance program, and if so, must bill HFS or the appropriate Managed Care Organization (MCO) for all crisis services delivered.
Failure to bill HFS or its MCOs for reimbursable services may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of the grant agreement.
g. Follow Up to Mobile Crisis Response
Following the initial crisis event, the grantee shall conduct follow-up contacts with the individual in crisis and/or their parent, guardian, or caregiver as appropriate at minimum after 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. Follow-up shall continue for up to 30 days if deemed necessary by MCR staff.
Grantee shall, following the initial crisis event, ensure that the individual experiencing a behavioral health crisis is connected to ongoing treatment and support services, as appropriate, via linkage and referral.
Referrals include providing individuals with information about where to access services not provided by the MCR. To meet the broad variety of individuals’ needs, the Grantee will develop a robust catalogue of local resources to which individuals may be referred including, but not limited to: food, shelter, healthcare, childcare, transportation, domestic violence services, refugee/immigrant services, and tools for finding resources (e.g. IDHS BEACON, DCFS SPIDER).
Linkages include actively supporting individuals in connecting to a needed service, ideally through a warm hand-off, and conducting follow-up to ensure the linkage has successfully occurred.
Grantee must document and bill follow-up contacts and services to HFS or the appropriate MCO for any individual enrolled in a medical assistance program administered by HFS.
h. On-site Crisis Services
Grantee services are expected to be primarily mobile. However, in the event that an individual experiencing a behavioral health crisis presents at the Grantee’s physical location, Grantee staff should provide all medically necessary services consistent with 89 ILAC 140.453, HFS CBS Provider Handbook, other relevant CCBHC policy guidance, and Grant Program requirements.
i. Policies and Procedures.
Grantee shall create, maintain, and annually update a Mobile Crisis Response program manual that aligns with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and program requirements.
This manual shall outline policies and procedures to support full implementation of all service requirements and be developed consistent with:
i. The SAMHSA guidance referenced above;
ii. The National Practice Guidelines for Peer Support and Supervisors;
iii. All guidance provided by DBHR; and
iv. All applicable policies developed with the Statewide and Regional CESSA Advisory Committees and approved by the relevant EMS Medical Director.
The manual shall provide a detailed staffing plan sufficient to meet the needs of the community(ies) served and incorporate protocols developed within the Statewide and Regional CESSA Advisory Committees.
12. Outreach and Engagement
Grantee shall develop and implement a plan for outreach and engagement to enhance direct connection with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises and increase community awareness of mobile crisis services. The plan should:
i. Include outreach and engagement materials such as flyers, brochures, social media postings, videos, public service announcements, etc., as appropriate to educate and promote the Mobile Crisis Response program.
ii. At minimum be designed to build and maintain relationships with key social service organizations and first responder ecosystem entities, including but not limited to:
• Other components of the crisis continuum (e.g., 988, hotlines, warm lines, and mobile crisis response teams);
• First responders (police, fire, EMT, etc.); and
• Medical personnel (primary care physicians, emergency departments, etc.).
13. Quality Assurance and Monitoring
Grantee is expected to participate in all quality assurance and monitoring processes as developed by DBHR. This includes, but is not limited to, access to policy and procedures, staff training, staff credentials, case notes, assessments, and physical space and vehicle lease agreements.
14. Data Collection
a. Individual Response Level Data
All Grantees must collect and record data in the following categories for each individual served. Additional details regarding data fields will be provided in the Program Manual. Additional data may be requested to comply with CESSA and other State priorities. :
i. Agency Developed Unique Identifier
ii. Caller type
iii. Demographic information
iv. Insurance information (if applicable)
v. Call details
vi. Response details
vii. Crisis response
viii. Follow up
ix. Funding status
Collected data for all individuals served shall be reported to DBHR in a format as defined by the DBHR via encrypted list each quarter, in accordance with CESSA required reporting, and any other reports deemed necessary by DBHR.
b. Submission of PRTP and PFR Forms Online
DBHR is developing an online system for the submission of PRTP and PFR forms that will replace the submission of electronic forms by email. This system is being developed so that it can be accessed and used by organizations with existing computer resources.
When the online system has been fully developed and all users have been trained, this online system will fully replace the email option. At that time, the online system is expected to be the only methodology for submitting PRTP and PFR documentation to DBHR.
Other forms may still be required to be submitted by email.
Performance Measures
1. Number of budgeted Crisis Clinicians FTEs.
2. Number of Crisis Clinician FTEs on staff on the last day of the reporting period.
3. Number of budgeted Peer Support Specialist FTEs.
4. Number of Peer Support Specialist FTEs on staff on the last day of the reporting period.
5. Number of days in the reporting period.
6. Number of days in the reporting period mobile crisis response services were not available 24 hours a day.
7. Total number of MCR service referrals for in-person, out-of-office response received from all sources.
8. Number of MCR service referrals received for in-person, out-of-office response from 988.
9. Number of MCR service referrals for in-person, out-of-office response that originated with 911 and were transferred to 988.
10. Number of MCR service referrals for in-person, out-of-office response received from Living Room Programs.
11. Number of MCR service referrals for in-person, out-of-office response received from law enforcement.
12. Number of MCR services referrals for in-person, out-of-office response received from hospitals.
13. Number of MCR services referred for in-person, out-of-office response from within the provider agency.
14. Number of MCR services referred for in-person, out-of-office response via provider crisis line.
15. Number of times an individual presented for in-office walk-in MCR services.
16. Number of MCR responses to in-office walk-ins.
17. Number of individuals in a rural county who were referred for in-person, out-of-office response
18. Number of individuals in an urban county who were referred for in-person, out-of-office response
19. Number of times MCR team dispatched to an in-person, out-of-office crisis situation, regardless of whether the individual was found.
20. Number of times MCR team dispatched to an in-person, out-of-office crisis situation in an urban area, regardless of whether the individual was found.
21. Number of times MCR team dispatched to an in-person, out-of-office crisis situation in a rural area, regardless of whether the individual was found.
22. Number MCR in-person, out-of-office responses that included a peer.
23. Number of times MCR team dispatched to a hospital.
24. Number of individuals who were referred for an in-person, out-of-office response.
25. Number of individuals who received in-person, out-of-office MCR services.
26. Number of individuals who received in-person, out-of-office MCR services in a rural county.
27. Number of individuals who received in-person, out-of-office MCR services in an urban county.
28. Total number of unduplicated individuals who received in-person, out-of-officeMCR services
29. Number of individuals served by MCR who were administered the Illinois Crisis Assessment Tool.
30. Total Number of individuals served by MCR.
31. Number of individuals served by MCR who were screened for substance use.
32. Number of individuals served by MCR who reported substance use in the past 48 hours during the substance use screen.
33. Number of individuals served by MCR who received staff-administered Naloxone.
34. Number of individuals served by MCR who were transported to a hospital
35. Numberof attempted follow up contacts on Day 1 post-MCR response.
36. Number of individuals who were reached for follow up on Day 1 post-MCR response.
37. Number of attempted follow up contacts on Day 2 post-MCR response.
38. Number individuals who were reached for follow up on Day 2 post-MCR response..
39. Number of attempted follow up contacts on Day 3 post-MCR response.
40. Number individuals who were reached for follow up on Day 3 post-MCR response.
41. Number of attempted follow up contacts from Day 4 through Day 30 post-MCR response.
42. Number individuals who were reached for follow up between Day 4 and Day 30 post-MCR response.
43. Number of times MCR staff were dispatched and could not locate the individual in need of support.
44. Number of times MCR staff arrived on scene in an urban area, when the call did not originate with 911, within the required 60 minute time frame, regardless of whether the individual was found.
45. Number of times MCR staff arrived on scene for in-person, out-of-office services in an urban county within the required 60 minutes, regardless of whether the individual was found.
46. Number of times MCR staff arrived on scene for in-person, out-of-office services in a rural county within the required 90 minutes, regardless of whether the individual was found.
47. Number of times MCR staff arrived on scene for in-person, out-of-office services in an urban county for a referral originating with 911 regardless of geography within the required 60 minutes, regardless of whether the individual was found.
48. Number of requests for MCR when dispatch did not occur, regardless of reason.
Performance Standards
1. 100% of days in the reporting period that MCR services were available 24 hours a day.
2. 75% of individuals served by MCR were screened for substance use.
3. 85% of individuals who were referred to MCR for an in-person, out-of-office response were served with an in-person, out-of-office response.
Cooperative Agreements
• Not Applicable.