The Georgia Crisis Response System for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (GCRS-DD) is a system of care that is accessed through a single point of entry, which is the Georgia Crisis Access Line (GCAL). The GCRS-DD provides community-based crisis supports as an alternative to institutional placement, emergency room care, or involvement of law enforcement (including incarceration). GCRS-DD serves individuals with developmental disabilities aged 5 years and older in acute crisis situations who 
 Have documented evidence of an intellectual/developmental disability prior to age 18 or a closely related disability prior to age 22 or 
 Have had a screening suggesting a developmental disability. 
What Caregivers Should Do in a Crisis Situation  First attempt to resolve and/or return the individual to a pre-crisis state.  If the individual has a behavior plan, use the strategies in the plan to resolve the crisis.  If unable to resolve the situation and the individual or others are at risk of harm, call GCAL (1-800-715-4225).  If there is a medical emergency or a crime is being committed, call 911. 
GCAL intake personnel will assess the sitaution and resolve the crisis by telephone or dispatch a Mobile Crisis Team if a face-to-face intervention is needed. 
Mobile Crisis Team At a minimum, a Mobile Crisis Team includes a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a behavior specialist, and direct support staff. Other team members may include a registered nurse, safety officers, additional social workers and support staff. Physicians are available for consultation. 
The Mobile Crisis Team arrives at the scene of the crisis within 1 hours to assess the crisis situation. Following an assessment of the individual in crisis, the LCSW communicates all recommendations for continued interventions and referrals for additional supports within 24 hours to the individuals, families/ caregivers, and other stakeholders (i.e., Support Coordinators, State Service Coordinators, Planning List Administrators, and Intake and Evaluation). 
Support Services The Mobile Crisis Team coordinates intensive in-home and out-of-home supports provided on a time-limited basis (not to exceed 7 days) to resolve the crisis. Any extension beyond 7 days has to be approved by the Regional Service Administrator, Developmental Disabilities, in the region of the individual's residence. 
 Out-of-Home Crisis Support Homes are for adults andserve no more than 4 individuals at a time.  Temporary and Immediate Support (TIS) Homes are for children/youth 1017 years old and serve no 
more than 4 individuals at a time.  Intensive In-Home Supports are provided for children aged 59 years old. 
For additional information, contact DBHDD, Division of Developmental Disabilities: 
(404) 463-8037