Arlington Human Services Network started in the spring of 2019. Various agencies/stakeholders in Arlington including the Board of Health, Housing Authority, Police, Council on Aging, Food Pantry, and Arlington Youth Counseling Center came together to start a group where anyone in these organizations can refer residents to assist them with everything from housing, hoarding, and finances, to mental health and substance use.
We target at-risk individuals, proactively reaching out with resources prior to crisis. This intra-agency communication is essential for the efficiency of the JDP program; as is successful engagement in treatment (for the resident) which is paramount to breaking the cycle of “revolving-door” police contact for citizens with mental health problems.