Walworth County health workers are teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to help provide mental health care to people who may need such services.
That is a good combination and it’s a model that should be encouraged and spread throughout the county, state and beyond.
Officials from the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services are piloting the Embedded Crisis Liaison Program, in which a community crisis liaison responds to the scene of a police call and assists people who may need mental health support.
The program was started with the Delavan Police Department in February and will be expanded to the Whitewater Police Department this month.
Officers usually respond to the scene first then call the liaison worker once they feel the scene is safe for them to work and the person in need is willing to talk to them.
Delavan Police Chief James Hansen said the county health department representative has assisted officers already on calls related to possible child abuse, mental anxiety and student behavioral issues.
The county worker talks with the person and determines what their concerns are then refers them to the appropriate services available in the community.
After each call, the county worker follows up with the people from the scene to determine if they are in need of further assistance.
Whitewater’s crisis liaison worker is currently being trained by Delavan’s liaison worker.
Whitewater Police Chief Aaron Raap is also excited about the program.
“It takes our resources, our knowledge and our training and just really multiplies it,” Raap said.
Raap, who previously worked for the Milwaukee Police Department for about 26 years, said Milwaukee has offered a crisis liaison program for about 20 years, and other law enforcement agencies in the state are starting to develop similar programs.
The Walworth County department of health and human services hopes to establish the program with other law enforcement agencies throughout the county in the future.
That sounds like a great idea. This partnership is a great use of resources for both the law enforcement agencies and the county’s department of human services.
The more we can do to help get people in need the right resources, the better. And hopefully with time, there can be fewer calls for service as people receive the help they need.
In photos and video: A walk along the shore path from Lake Geneva to Stone Manor
Watch now: The shore path from Lake Geneva to Stone Manor
The sparkling lake
Entering the shore path
The arch way
The archway in front of Oak Lodge along the lake's eastern shore.
Site of Oak Lodge
This home was built in 2009 at the site of the former Morton Salt Family estate known as Oak Lodge. As of March 2021 it was listed for sale at $12.9 million.
To see inside the home, click here.
Watch now: Geneva Lake sparkles along the lakefront
shore path
A calm day
Shore path
Picket fence
Expect a Miracle
This home previously was known by many as the "Expect a Miracle" home. The previous owner, Carolyn Gable had quotes written along the shore path fence. However it has since transferred ownership and those quotes are now gone.
Shore path
The shore path
"Expect a Miracle
The home "Expect a Miracle" can be seen to the left of the arch along the eastern portion of the lake shore path.
Approaching Stone Manor
Historic Stone Manor
Stone Manor was built in 1901 by Otto Young.
Arrowhead
This home known as Arrowhead is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's "Hanna House" located on the Stanford University campus in Stanford, California.
Shore path
Shore path
The Riviera view
Construction of the Riviera is ongoing. But it’s expected to be complete by May. To celebrate, the city is planning several events.
The Regional News editorial board consists of General Manager Robert Ireland, Editor Stephanie Jones and community members Patrick Quinn and Elizabeth Lupo DiVito.
