Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams
Funding will help police in Dufferin-Caledon support people experiencing a mental health crisis
Dufferin-Caledon — The Ontario government is providing $207,850 to help Dufferin OPP provide specialized support to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The funding is being delivered through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant program and enables police to utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need.
“Our government is continuing to take action by providing the OPP’s Dufferin Detachment with the tools and resources they need to support those experiencing a mental health crisis in our community,” said Sylvia Jones, Member of Provincial Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon. “By continuing to invest in OPP Dufferin’s Mobile Crisis Response Team, our government is expanding their ability to deliver appropriate services to those in crisis situations.”
In 2023-24, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 39 municipal and First Nations police services, as well as Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), to help strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.
“We’re supporting our police services by providing them with the resources they need to assist vulnerable people in crisis situations,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Mobile Crisis Response Teams are best positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis and are an important part of how police in collaboration with this government are working hard to keep Ontarians safe.”
“Police are called upon to respond to thousands of mental health calls a year,” said Thomas Carrique, OPP Commissioner. “The integrated Mobile Crisis Response Teams approach, with officers and crisis workers attending calls together, supports de-escalation at the time of crisis and connects individuals with the right community resources, at the right time, to better meet their needs and reduce future police interactions.”
QUICK FACTS
- Mobile Crisis Response Teams consist of police officers and crisis workers working together to respond to complex situations where mental health or addictions may be a factor. Supported by the police, crisis workers can assess if an individual should be sent to an emergency department for treatment and/or provide referrals to community programs that support mental and physical well-being.
-30-
MEDIA CONTACTS