City Of Wauwatosa: Wauwatosa Approves Social Worker Position

Wauwatosa WI

01 December, 2021

5:12 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Wauwatosa: 11/30/2021 8:53 AM The new social worker will connect residents to resources such as social service providers and conduct follow-ups with cases and clients As part of the 2022 city budget, the Wauwatosa Common Council approved a social worker position that would be connected to the city's health, police, and fire departments. Too often, law enforcement or fire responders are the first contact for people in need of mental health services. In our current response system, we may send a police officer or fire responder to a person struggling with opioids, a hoarding situation, or individuals with developmental disabilities. These calls for service are singular responses, and a police officer or fire responder may be limited in the resources they can provide.  The new social worker will connect residents to resources such as social service providers and conduct follow-ups with cases and clients. They will help forge deep and dependable relationships among the community, care providers, police, fire, health, and other agencies. This doesn't mean that a social worker would be deployed next to a police officer or paramedic on scene. "Problems arising from mental health struggles or substance use disorders call for trained medical professionals and social workers who can help identify long-term strategies rather than arrest or incarceration," said Wauwatosa Police Chief James MacGillis. "Addressing mental health and substance use issues in our community requires collaboration between emergency services and public health. These problems are often complex and necessitate comprehensive services from multiple departments. It is our hope that this position will strengthen the response between public health and emergency services to improve health outcomes for individuals living in Wauwatosa. Mental health concerns have been exacerbated by the pandemic, and it is imperative we improve our services to meet the needs of our community," said Wauwatosa Health Officer Laura Stephens. The social worker's approach can help identify patterns of behavior, create conditions of safety and stability, and work with community partners to prevent crime before it may occur. The position is funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and not through the general budget. Return to full list >> This press release was produced by the City of Wauwatosa. The views expressed here are the author's own.