Local news- Press Release
Skokie Illinois - Get to Know Skokie s Co Responder Team 02 January 2024 ( news )
Skokie , state Illinois ( By Press Release office)
Jan 02,2024
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Launched in 2021 ,
the Village’s Co - Responder Teampairs a licensed social worker from the Village’s Health and Human Services Department with a Crisis Intervention Trained ( CIT ) police officer to respond to individuals in crisis and others in need of resources and support .
Social worker Brian McHugh and Officer Kimberly Blue make up the Village’s two - person Co - Responder Team . In addition to responding to calls for service , they collaborate with local and regional mental health and service organizations to coordinate referrals for individuals to available resources and care . In an average month , the Co - Responder Team connects with more than 80 individuals and families to provide them with support .
McHugh brings more than 20 years of social work experience to his role , including experience with mental health , adult protective services , domestic violence and youth outreach . Officer Kimberly Blue , a licensed emergency medical technician ( EMT ) , has completed Crisis Intervention Training ( CIT ) as well as specialized training in domestic violence , peer support and substance abuse . Together , they work throughout Skokie to support residents in need .
What is a typical day for the Co - Responder Team?
Officer Blue:Every day is different . First , we’ll check our voice messages and see if any reports have been assigned to us . This could include conducting well - being checks or meeting with a family requesting assistance for a loved one . During the day , we’re also dispatched to assist with immediate , “happening now” emergencies for individuals in crisis .
McHugh:It’s important to connect with people during their “window of crisis” to build that trust and relationship . This makes it more likely for them to accept the support and resources available to them in the moment , and also to feel comfortable calling us if they need help in the future .
Officer Blue:
In doing this , we not only can provide individuals with the resources they need , but we also relieve police response so that they can focus on other calls and issues throughout Skokie .
McHugh:We also spend a lot of time out in the community building relationships , including with unhoused individuals , families , Village staff , schools , hospitals and service organizations , so that they’re aware of the support we provide and trust us to reach out when they need help .
Does the Co - Responder Team provide support to unhoused individuals?
McHugh:Yes . We collaborate with organizations to coordinate referrals to available services , including mental health services , counseling , housing opportunities , food , clothing and financial assistance , and respite centers .
Officer Blue:We also visit the Niles Township Food Pantry and respite center regularly , as well as transit hubs and other areas in the community where individuals often need support .
What challenges do you face in providing resources and support?
McHugh:
There are times when individuals may decline resources available to them . For example , a person may have access to housing – either through their family , social networks or other means , including shelters – but still choose to live on the street . Although we can encourage them to take advantage of available resources , they are not obligated to accept that assistance .
What do you like most about your job?
Officer Blue:I love the diversity of the community . Throughout my career in Skokie , I have had the opportunity to learn about so many diverse cultures and meet a wide variety of people . There’s also a diversity in the calls we receive .
I’m not in this role to write tickets and arrest people . Brian and I have the flexibility to spend time with those who need it and take them where they need to go to get the services they need .
McHugh:Families call us with a problem and they rely on us for a solution . It’s all about building trust , building relationships , and solving problems . We are one of the few Villages in the country doing this work , and I can speak for both Officer Blue and myself when I say that serving the Skokie community in this role is a privilege .
At the end of the day , we’re just one link in the chain . Every day we work with an amazing group of people and organizations to solve problems , help people , and make our community healthier and safer .
What are some of the outreach services the Village provides?
The Co - Responder Team is just one component of the Village’s outreach . Other support services include:
Youth outreach
, including providing constructive alternatives – such as anger management , community service and counseling – for youth ticketed for ordinance violations
Family services
, including emergency and seasonal financial assistance , short - term counseling and case management
Disability services
, including offering free use of wheelchairs , walkers , crutches and more through the Village’s Lending Closet
Senior services
, including Benefits Access assistance and senior health insurance counseling
Information and referral
, including advocacy and short - term counseling , as well as referrals to outside agencies for long - term counseling
What other community resources are available?
In addition to Village programs and resources , local and regional partner organizations – including the Salvation Army , Connections for the Homeless , Niles Township , and faith - based organizations – offer a variety of resources , ranging from housing , financial assistance , counseling , food , clothing and more . Contact the Village’s Human Services Division at 847 - 933 - 8208 to learn more .
What can community members do to support the Village’s efforts?
Donate to Assist - a - Family
. Your generosity directly supports local families in need .
Volunteer .
Contact the Human Services Division at 847 - 933 - 8208 to learn about opportunities .
Get involved
. The Village’s
Medical Reserve Corpsenhances the Village’s emergency response capabilities and is seeking licensed mental health workers .
Report issues . Use the
Access Skokie appto report issues .
Support local service organizations .
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