LFS Story: LFS Co-responder Program
What is the Co-responder Program?
Co-responders provide immediate and ongoing professional support to Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont Police Department, Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Island Police Department, and Hall County Sheriff’s Deputies during calls involving individuals in mental health crises. Co-responders also provide follow-up and additional community resource information and referrals to residents.
How the Co-responder Program Works
Police officers and deputies can request a co-responder to assist individuals or families experiencing concerns or crises. Co-responders listen to calls from officers and deputies and can self-dispatch to a call, enabling them to respond quickly when assistance is needed.
On Scene
Upon arriving at the scene, the co-responder briefly meets with the officer or deputy to gather further details. They then assess the individual and are responsible for identifying:
- Mental health symptoms and needs.
- Any suicidality and/or homicidal behaviors.
- Daily functioning inhibitors and ability to care for themselves.
- Any signs of child and/or elderly abuse.
- Unmet needs.
- Possible resource referral.
- Whether the individual needs to be placed in a psychiatric medical setting.
The co-responder collaborates with the individual to develop a safety plan, allowing officers and deputies to make informed decisions regarding protective custody. The primary goal of the co-responder is to divert individuals from hospitalization or jail whenever possible.
Other Duties
The co-responder also proactively identifies current and past frequent callers who may need resources or services. They provide training on mental health disorders, awareness, symptom identification, and relevant mental health research.
After the crisis, the co-responder or community outreach coordinator follows up with individuals to connect them with needed services or community resources for ongoing support. They engage with individuals deemed “familiar faces” through safety checks, resource engagement, and friendly visits, which help decrease 911 calls.
Co-responder Program Impact
- Reduced calls due to mental illness.
- Needed resources provided to citizens.
- Input is supplied for those in the disposition decision process.
- Safety for the individual experiencing a crisis.
- Individuals are diverted from hospitals or jails.
- Individuals remain in the community and avoid further life disruption.
- The Grand Island and Kearney Police Department/Hall and Buffalo County Sheriff’s Offices are better equipped to handle mental health-related situations.
To learn more about our Co-responder Program, visit our website.
Immediate Openings and a New Service in Lincoln
Our Adult Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) currently has openings. This program offers a unique blend of structured, supportive care that is more intensive than traditional therapy. It’s designed for those who need extra support in their journey to substance use recovery.
Our services are available in Omaha, Fremont, North Platte, and Bellevue, with immediate availability in most offices, making it easy for you or a loved one to access the care you need. If you find yourself struggling more than usual, know that you are not alone.
In addition to IOP openings, we also have immediate openings for mental health therapy, with options for statewide telehealth or in-person visits available in Lincoln and Omaha. The challenges of depression, anger, trauma, or addictive behaviors can feel overwhelming, but reaching out for support is a courageous first step toward healing.
You can get help today by visiting our website to start the process.
Exciting News for Lincoln Residents!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Program (IOP) Group for adults, starting on May 5 in our Lincoln Health 360 Office. This specialized program is tailored for those facing substance use concerns and includes a combination of group and individual therapy with a dually licensed therapist.
The group sessions are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m., providing flexibility to fit into your schedule while prioritizing your recovery. If you or someone you know in Lincoln needs this essential service, we encourage you to sign up now! Don’t miss this opportunity to find the support you need.
Learn more about this program.
Reminder: Fremont Family Friends is June 4!
Howdy, partner! Have you snagged your tickets for the 2025 Fremont Family Friends? Saddle up and get ready for a rip-roarin’ good time that aims to empower families in the community, providing essential support to help them achieve self-sufficiency. By attending, you’ll be joining the mission to break generational cycles of poverty, child abuse, neglect, and isolation, providing real help and real hope for those in need.
Event Information
Date: June 4, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Woodcliff Community Center N Lake Shore Dr. Fremont, NE 68025
Thanks to the generous support of the Rupert Dunklau Foundation, any contributions made to Fremont Family Friends will be matched up to $50,000, amplifying the impact of your donations.
