The Trauma Response Team that pairs Milwaukee police officers and county mental health professionals has helped between 35 and 40 families since its creation seven months ago, officials said Wednesday.
The team operates in Milwaukee Police District 7, on the city's northwest side. First-responding officers — who can see if children witnessed shootings, car crashes or other traumatic events — refer families to the team, which then follows up with those who choose to participate and offers referrals for further counseling.
The team has had contact with more than 100 families total and about one-third have taken "full advantage" of the program by having mental health professionals come to their home, said psychologist Steven Dykstra, who directs the Milwaukee County Mobile Urgent Treatment Team.
Other families have spoken with team members over the phone and asked for more information, while less than 10% have declined any involvement, said Dykstra, who addressed the Milwaukee Community Justice Council on Wednesday.
"While it may seem obvious to me from my reality and my experience (that) I would want any help that somebody would offer, for other people with a different experience it's not that easy of a decision," Dykstra said.
[For more of this story, go to Ashley Luthern, go to http://www.jsonline.com/news/m...246z1-370008811.html]
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