Wilmington program pairs police with mental health experts

In a recent government meeting, officials provided an update on the Partners in Care program, a collaborative initiative between the Wilmington Police Department and ChristianaCare aimed at addressing mental health needs within the community. Launched in March 2024, the program pairs trained mental health clinicians with police officers to respond to calls for service and conduct proactive outreach.

The latest statistics revealed that the program had only five new client contacts in March, coinciding with the first quarter of the year. However, as the year progressed, the number of contacts has steadily increased, indicating growing engagement with the community. The most recent grant report submitted for the third quarter reflects these updated figures, showcasing the program's evolving impact.

Currently, the team consists of two senior social workers actively responding to calls and a senior social worker serving as a community liaison and case manager, primarily working from the office. This innovative partnership aims to enhance support for individuals in need, demonstrating a commitment to integrating mental health resources within law enforcement efforts.