Commit to CIT
What is Involved?
The exact structure of the model will vary slightly between communities. However, committing to CIT generally starts with creating a Steering Committee, structuring that committee and having regular meetings. The Steering Committee takes on a variety of tasks, which deepen the committee's commitment while taking concrete steps toward implementation. These steps include consulting with experts, seeking funding and recruiting influential leaders to participate in the Steering Committee. Building commitment to the program is an ongoing process.
Why is it Important?
CIT often begins with the good intentions and hard work of a few dedicated individuals., It is important this dedication is supported by the broader community, including law enforcement agencies, mental health service providers (i.e. community mental health services, state psychiatric hospitals and hospital emergency rooms), and mental health advocacy groups. This commitment ensures sustainability of the program. Otherwise, programs become "just training" and quickly run out of steam. In addition, a formal commitment to community partnerships, through the creation of a Steering Committee, allows key stakeholders to coordinate a seamless crisis response system. This improved coordination meets the needs of partner agencies while helping people with mental illness get the treatment they need, while avoiding the criminal justice system.
Who is Involved?
The core partners are law enforcement, mental health service providers and mental health advocates. However, over time the Steering Committee should seek to expand community support from other organizations and agencies, such as other criminal justice system professionals, social service providers and community groups. The broader the community's support, the more likely it will meet the community's needs.
How long does it take?
Nurturing commitment is an on-going process. It is not gauged by checking tasks off a list. Rather, it is a process of improving the community's response to people living with mental illness by transforming both the hearts of individuals and structure of systems. The community commits not just to CIT, but to an ongoing change of hearts and attitudes to promote caring and service to people living with mental illness. The timeframe of success will vary from community to community, but even if the process is slow, the key is to stay committed and keep moving forward.
What is Next?
To commit to CIT, it is necessary to engage in a series of tasks. It is important to create a Steering Committee, select a chairperson, meet regularly, expand, consult with experts, create a forum, and secure agreement. You can find additional information about these tasks on the menu to the left.