Crisis Intervention Services
The 84th Session of the Texas Legislature provided local intellectual and disability development authorities (LIDDAs) with funds to support persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with significant behavioral and psychiatric challenges. These persons often exhibit significant needs requiring additional support beyond the array of services typically provided within community programs. The funds expanded resources to address crisis situations with persons who have IDD.
A Crisis is a situation in which:
• The person presents an immediate danger to self or others; or
• The person’s mental or physical health is at risk of serious deterioration; or
• A person believes he or she presents an immediate danger to self or others; or
• That his or her mental or physical health is at risk of serious deterioration.
In collaboration with the service coordinator, other members of the service planning team, the Crisis Intervention
Specialist assists to identify:
Prevention strategies to avoid potential crisis events and to promote the person’s coping skills; and o training and support needs that provide the greatest chance of success of living in the community, such as scheduled respite services or planned crisis respite to avoid a potential crisis event; and supports the service coordinator’s provision of ongoing follow-up and monitoring activities, including assisting the service coordinator, other members of the service planning team and paid provider, if any, in addressing concerns and issues identified during follow-up and monitoring visits, such as involvement with law enforcement or emergency room visits.