What are some examples of what COMPASS “can” and “cannot” do?

What we can do

• Respond to crises based on requests from police & fire and through self-initiated outreach.
• Refer people in crisis to services, with priority given to diverting individuals from emergency department admissions or incarceration.
• Consult to police & fire on scene about mental health/addiction needs & services.
• Transport a person in the COMPASS van to services so long as there is no medical emergency requiring care or the person is not being taken into custody.

What we cannot do

• Admit someone in crisis to the hospital without their consent.
• Provide services outside of New Haven.
• Split the two-person team to respond to multiple crisis calls at the same time.