Mission Statement
We promote and support the co-response field and its practitioners through advocacy, collaboration, training and the development of professional standards.
ABOUT CROA
The Co-Responder Outreach Alliance (CROA) is a statewide organization of field experts consisting of first responders, behavioral health professionals, and project managers working in co-response programs.
The Co-Responders Outreach Alliance (CROA) is an organization consisting of first responders, behavioral health professionals, and project managers working in the co-response field. The organization was created in 2018 and represents police and fire agencies from across Washington State. CROA has a three part mission: (1) to enhance the understanding of co-response programs and co-response best practices in Washington State (2) to promote the use of co-response to assist individuals with behavioral health issues (3) to advocate for laws and policies that support co-response where appropriate—and other programs and approaches when not. CROA is nonpartisan and non ideological. Members support practical, real world approaches and opportunities to collaborate.
VISION
Co-Response is recognized as an evidence based best practice when responding to people in crisis and coordinating care; all co-responders have access to support and resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
FOR MEMBERS
We have a forum exclusively open to CROA members.
Click Here
If you are interested in becoming a member, please Email Us
FOR MEMBERS
We have a forum exclusively open to CROA members.
Click Here
If you are interested in becoming a member, please Email Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is co-response?
Co-Response Programs are defined as a partnership between first responders (including law enforcement, fire/EMS, or EMS agencies) and human services professionals (such as behavioral health professionals, social workers, community health workers or peer support workers). Co-response programs respond to behavioral health-related calls and calls involving people with complex medical conditions. They provide in- the-moment response and follow-up community-based care coordination. Co-response can involve direct 911 response, outreach to target populations, and/or follow-up depending on each agency’s program design. Co-response programs draw on combined expertise and trusted community-based workers to de-escalate situations, intervene as appropriate, and support people with complex behavioral health and medical needs. The ultimate goal is to connect people with appropriate community resources to reduce the use of emergency services.
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What does CROA do?
CROA is a group of co-responder agencies who meet quarterly to discuss how their programs are functioning, challenges they are facing, legislation changes that effect co-responders, and generally share support for the work being done.
How can I get involved?
Feel free to use email CROAWA@gmail.com to get a hold of us in case you would like to get more information. We have quarterly meetings that you may be able to join as well.
What agencies have co-responders?
Many fire and police agencies, in Washington state, work with behavioral health and other healthcare professionals. For an interactive map of programs in Washington state, click here:
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