National Center

The Institute for Innovation and Implementation (The Institute) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) School of Social Work (SSW) has partnered with Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI), Social Current, and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) to launch the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) Quality Learning Collaborative (QLC). This learning opportunity builds upon the success of the five 2-day MRSS Peer Meetings previously hosted by The Institute with team participation from 27 states and territories. The MRSS QLC focuses on the structural changes necessary to fully implement MRSS including engaging leadership, finance, policy, and workforce, and includes: best-practice presentations featuring examples from the field and lessons learned; intensive small group (maximum of 8 states/sites) facilitated peer-to-peer learning; individual monthly coaching; data collection and analysis; affinity group opportunities; and access to resources and tools to support design and implementation.

MRSS plays a critical role in preventing future crises; reducing involvement with law enforcement, particularly for children and youth who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; providing care in the least restrictive environment appropriate to identify needs; and, maintaining children safely at home and in the community. The time is NOW for communities, states, and territories to start planning efforts to ensure that 988 implementation (required in July 2022) meets the caregiver/parent sense of urgency by establishing MRSS as the first connection within a state crisis continuum; and leveraging new MRSS funding mechanisms including SAMHSA System of Care Grants, American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) and COVID-19 Supplemental Substance Abuse and Mental Health Block Grant Awards. In addition, ARP resulted in changes to Section 1947 of the Social Security Act, permitting states to use Medicaid to cover community-based mobile crisis intervention services for beneficiaries experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis.