Make a Plan
What is Involved?
The recommended steps for planning include sending a delegation of committee members to visit another program to gain a clearer understanding about the commitment involved for partner agencies. At the conclusion of this visit, representatives will return and report their findings to the full committee with recommendations for a plan of action. To carry out this plan of action, the committee should develop subcommittees to focus on three issues that will help adapt CIT to the individual community: mental health/criminal justice system coordination, data on law enforcement response to crisis calls, and training. Each subcommittee will be responsible for gathering information, consulting experts and further planning.
Why is it Important?
Making a plan allows your Steering Committee to work together and take concrete steps toward CIT implementation. Working together in subcommittees, members of the Steering Committee will have opportunities to build trust and feel a sense of ownership over the program. The creation of a formal plan and timeline also can ensure that partner agency leaders are committed to CIT because they are investing significant time and manpower in the process.
Who is Involved?
As much as possible, each subcommittee should include representatives from the three key partners—law enforcement, mental health providers and advocates. One person from each of these three partners should participate in the site visit. Steering Committee members who are not part of the three core partners should be included as their expertise, interests and availability allow.
How long does it take?
As with laying the foundation and committing to CIT, there is no set timeline that works for all communities. What matters more than a strict timeline is the satisfaction of the committee members that they are making progress. That said, subcommittees should develop specific but realistic timeframes for completing their tasks and reporting back to the Steering Committee.
What is Next?
To make a plan, it is necessary to engage in a series of tasks. It is important to designate CIT coordinators, select representatives, select a site, report on Site Visits, create subcommittees who report to Steering Committee, make recommendations, develop a formal strategy, and increase expertise. You can find additional information about these tasks on the menu to the left.