San Diego START

Crisis Prevention and Response for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the People that Support Them

The START model pilot project is being implemented in North County (north of CA-52), in collaboration with San Diego Regional Center, Exodus Recovery, and California Department of Developmental Services, to provide community-based crisis intervention and prevention services to individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs.

San Diego START emphasizes the development of cross systems relationships, training and education, as well as crisis prevention and response supports.

The START team works with existing system to capitalize and build on their capacity while promoting improved collaboration, communication, and expertise between service systems, schools, families, and other involved supports.

The goal of the START program is to build relationships and supports across service systems to help individuals remain in their homes and communities while decreasing the involvement of police and emergency response systems. START works within the community of individuals to enhance support and build communication between people and their communities.