Georgia Crisis Response System for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: helping individuals with developmental disabilities through behavior-related crises

What is the Georgia Crisis Response System for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities?
When individuals with developmental disabilities are in crisis, their families and caregivers can turn for help to the Georgia Crisis Response System for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (GCRS-DD).
GCRS-DD is a system of care you can access with one phone call to the Georgia Crisis Access Line (GCAL):
1-800-715-4225
GCRS-DD provides alternatives to previous ways of managing crises such as institutional placement, emergency room care, and law enforcement involvement.

If you or someone you care for has a developmental disability and is in an acute crisis situation, call the Georgia Crisis Access Line (GCAL):
1-800-715-4225
Available 24 hours a day
If there is a medical emergency or a crime is being committed, call 9-1-1.
For information about developmental disability services, contact your regional office: North (Region 1) -- 800-646-7721 East Central (Region 2) -- 866-380-4835 Metro Atlanta (Region 3) -- 770-414-3052 Southwest (Region 4) -- 877-683-8557 Southeast (Region 5) -- 800-348-3503 West Central (Region 6) -- 877-565-8040

Georgia Crisis Response System
for Individuals with
Developmental Disabilities
Helping Individuals with Developmental Disabilities through Behavior-Related Crises

Who does GCRS-DD serve?
GCRS-DD serves adults and children aged 5 years and older with developmental disabilities who
Have documented evidence of a developmental disability prior to age 18 or any closely related disability prior to age 22 or
Have had a screening suggesting a developmental disability.
In a crisis, what should you do?
First, try to resolve the situation by modifying the behavior of the individual in crisis. Use the strategies in the individual's behavior support plan, if he or she has one.
If you are not able to resolve the crisis and the individual or others are at risk of harm, call GCAL at 1-800715-4225.
Call 9-1-1 if there is a medical emergency or a crime is being committed.

What to expect when you call
Trained crisis personnel are available 24 hours a day to provide guidance and coordinate a response to your specific situation. They will assist you by assessing the nature of your crisis and how to help resolve it.
If needed, a crisis team of professionals will be sent to assist you on the scene. The team will arrive within one-and-a-half hours to help you cope with the immediate crisis.
Within 24 hours, GCAL and/or the crisis team will notify your Support Coordinator, State Service Coordinator, Planning List Administrator, Regional Intake and Evaluation Office, and/or Provider regarding the recommendations for the next steps of support.
When a behavior-related crisis occurs, call the Georgia Crisis
Access Line.
1-800-715-4225

In-Home and Out-of-Home Supports
If needed, GCRS-DD coordinates short-term, intensive in-home and out-of-home supports to resolve the immediate crisis and make connections to alternative services.
In-Home Supports make it possible for individuals to remain in their homes and communities. These supports may include
Providing training on how to manage difficult behaviors.
Helping with simple changes to the individual's living environment.
Only Intensive In-Home Supports are provided for children aged 59 years old.
Out-of-Home Supports are services provided to individuals outside their home and include
Crisis Support Homes for adults.
Temporary and Immediate Support (TIS) homes for children and youths ages 1017 years.