Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1237. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the rollout of the crisis de-escalation team in Limerick; when this will be in operation; to provide details on the make-up of the team, by funding and staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39272/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Final Report and Recommendations of the High Level Task Force to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector was published by myself and the Minister for Health in September 2022.
The recommendations aim to ensure better support for people at the earliest point at which they come into contact with the criminal justice system and to divert them away from it where possible, while supporting them in their rehabilitation from addiction and in the recovery and management of their illness.
One of the recommendations that came from the work of the subgroup of the High Level Task Force that looked at diversion, is the development of a Community Access Support Team or CAST.
It is intended that the development of the CAST approach will enhance diversionary practices for those experiencing crisis and situational trauma that leads to mental health difficulties. This approach moves towards the shared goal of providing a compassionate and effective response to people in distress and improving the experience and outcomes for those experiencing distress and those providing support.
The pilot project CAST will be trialled in the Limerick Garda Division. It is a partnership pilot between An Garda Síochána and the Mental Health Services HSE, Mid-West Community Healthcare. The pilot project is not a mental health de-escalation unit. It will however endeavour to establish an appropriate co-response approach to calls relating to mental health and situational trauma.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that it is anticipated that the pilot will commence on the 30 November 2023. The CAST team will be staffed by members of An Garda Síochána from within existing resources and by staff of the Mid-West Community Healthcare Mental Health professionals who will be co-located and work collaboratively.
These include:
1 x Project Manager
3 x Clinical Nurse Specialist
1 x Social Worker
2 x Social Care Worker
1 x Administration
1 x Sergeant (Community Planning)
2 x Gardaí (Vulnerability Navigator)
1 x Garda Staff (Clerical Officer)
