In October 2020, OVP hosted two community listening sessions to obtain input on the design of a Crisis Response model that would be responsive to community needs. Feedback pointed to the desire for a physical community hub as a centralized place to gather and access services, the need for flexibility in the timing of initiation and duration of services based on family or community needs and preferences, and a choice in the types of services that are provided by a team that would include trusted community leaders, faith-based leaders and credible messengers that might vary based on the affected community and the nature of the incident.
The proposed model included three critical components: (1) rapid response to individuals and families most immediately impacted, (2) prompt communitywide communication, and (3) linkages to providers and services through ongoing follow-up and referrals. Permanent funding for this Crisis Response model was allocated to OVP in October 2022.
The OVP Crisis Response Program offers LA County the chance to patch and heal the ruptures that are created when violent incidents tear the fabric of the community. Implicit in the hybrid approach for an organized response to violent incidents are messages about the unacceptability of violence, about the shared pain caused by acts that make victims of some, but potential victims of all community residents, and about the commitment of neighbors, community leaders, and the County to stand with community members who have suffered harm. These messages are critical to prevention – they point to the possibility of a Los Angeles County that is safe for all.
The work of the OVP Crisis Response Program is guided by the philosophy that for healing and equity to occur, we must recognize the unique circumstances that apply to every individual, family, and community and must invest resources so that all individuals can thrive no matter their race, no matter their zip code. Each traumatic incident affects every person – and every community – differently. When local leaders and trusted messengers direct the healing process, responding partners can collaborate in a manner that serves the best interests of the community.
The OVP Crisis Response Program currently focuses on the South LA communities of Florence-Firestone, Westmont, West Athens, Willowbrook, and unincorporated Compton.
Crisis Response Components
The Crisis Response Program consists of a trained Care Action Response Team (CART) that includes the OVP Crisis Response Coordinator working in collaboration with a local place based organization, Tessie Cleveland Community Services Corporation (TCCSC), and credible messengers, community interventionists, community health workers and other peer specialists, to support - and lead - responses to trauma, loss, and violence within South LA. The Care Action Response Team provides healing-centered services and resources at the time of the incident and in the weeks and months after the incident has occurred using a 3-pronged approach.
Rapid, in-home, and in-community connection to youth, individuals, families, and communities most directly affected. The Care Action Response Team will arrive at an incident/crisis 24-48 hours after an incident occurs.
II. Prompt Community-wide Communication
Distribution of information and resources through leaflets and door-to-door outreach
Conduct community meetings and presentations
Spaces for healing practices, dialogue and support
Education to build coping, conflict resolution, and healing skills
Community activation to build positive community connections and culture of care( vigil, peace rallies, etc)
III. Ongoing Follow-up and Referrals
Follow-up and referral processes will provide linkages to community providers and services that are already set up to provide ongoing/longer-term social services and behavioral health needs. Culturally and linguistically inclusive services and staff will build trust and support community assets by using a trauma and healing-informed approach.
Contact Us
If you need help with a crisis incident, call our warmline:
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please use the following National resources to assist anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
211 LA provides information and referrals all health and human services in LA County. Trained Community Resource Advisors are available 24 hours a day to offer help with any situation.
Adult Protective Services (APS) provides a system of in person response to reports of abuse and self-neglect about developmentally disabled adults, physically and mentally disabled adults, and the elderly (60 yrs+) who may be victims of abuse.
Adult Protective Services (APS) provides a system of in person response to reports of abuse and self-neglect about developmentally disabled adults, physically and mentally disabled adults, and the elderly (60 yrs+) who may be victims of abuse.
Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services
Child abuse, in all its forms, has a lasting and negative effect on children, families and their community. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or know of a family that may need additional support or access to resources, please contact DCFS immediately.
The Los Angeles Center’s STOP Violence Program strives to increase access to mental health and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, sexual assault as well as other crimes. Services include specialized assessment, crisis counseling, individual and group therapy and other essential resources.
Teen Line provides support, resources, and hope to young people through a hotline of professionally trained teen counselors, and outreach programs that de-stigmatize and normalize mental health.
Hotline: 1.800.852.8336 (6PM-10PM PST English Only) SMS: Text TEEN to 839863 (6PM-9PM PST English Only)
Community Partner: Tessie Cleveland Community Services Corp (TCCSC)
Tessie Cleveland Community Services Corp (TCCSC)
Tessie Cleveland Community Services Corp. is a not-for-profit community based mental health center serving children and families from birth through the end of the golden years. TCCSC’s service delivery model of providing services wherever necessary and convenient to the child and family is recognized countywide and is the cornerstone of their organization.
Message from OVP Crisis Response Coordinator Charlotte Robinson-Perkins
As the OVP Crisis Response Program Coordinator I am honored to serve in this role providing a healing and holistic approach to crisis response in Los Angeles County. Supporting individuals, families, and communities in South LA including Florence-Firestone, unincorporated Compton, Westmont West Athens, and Willowbrook communities is very dear to my heart. With over twenty-five years of service in these communities, I am excited and eager to work with community leaders, faith-based and community-based organizations, non-profits, and the private sectors to support and lead this work through a trauma-informed lens.
