Plan special components of the training
There are several pieces of the CIT training in addition to verbal de-escalation skills and mental health topics. Plan in advance for the following components:
Face-to-face visits between groups of officers and individuals living with mental illness:
The goal of these visits is to foster informal conversations and information sharing between officers and people living with mental illness about their experiences. These interactions are important because they help to break down mistrust and misunderstanding. To encourage the group to overcome nervous or uneasy feelings, each visiting facility should have an assigned facilitator for the specific purpose of making everyone feel welcomed and to encourage open dialogue. These visits can take place at a variety of locations: community mental health centers, clubhouses, drop-in centers, veterans outreach programs, VA Medical Centers, state hospitals, crisis stabilization units, support groups and supported housing facilities.
These conversations can also be fostered through educational programs such as NAMI's In Our Own Voice, which allows individuals living with mental illness to tell their stories and then answer questions.
Presentations by individuals living with mental illness and family members:
The primary purpose of these presentations is for advocates to express their appreciation for the CIT program and their hope that the program will contribute to a brighter future for people living with mental illness in the community. Individuals and family members should also provide an introduction to local mental health advocacy organizations and the services, including educational programs, that are available to the community. Officers should be encouraged to participate in local mental health advocacy events and join local advocacy organizations. These presenters may also share elements of their stories and engage the officers in a dialogue about the personal and family experience of mental illness.
Local mental health resources:
It is essential to identify 2-3 individuals who can discuss the wide array of mental health services and supports in the local community. The ideal presenter is a professional who engages regularly with a wide array of community resources, such as a discharge nurse from a crisis assessment facility or a case manager. These presenters should provide officers an overview of services, with details about which services are available during which hours and special populations they serve. This presentation should provide officers with an understanding where they can take a person in crisis to receive appropriate services.
Mental health resources guide:
Officers will need a written guide of mental health resources in their community. This guide should include hours of operation, special populations served and the types of services offered. This guide can take the form of a brief written document, pocket guide or online guide, and should be easy for officers to access. The following services should be included:
- Assessment centers
- Crisis stabilization services
- Homeless shelters
- Substance abuse services
- Clubhouses and drop-in centers
Resources
Memphis CIT Program Facilitator Instructions
Memphis CIT Program Facilitator Questions
Georgia CIT, Family Perspective
NAMI Education, Training and Peer Support Center