Arkansas Systemic Therapeutic Assessment Resources Treatment (START)
Project Description:
Arkansas START (ArkSTART) is a Crisis Prevention/Intervention Project funded by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services to create a safety net for persons with both an intellectual/developmental disability and a behavioral health disorder.
Statistics show that persons in this group utilize costly Medicaid services through hospital emergency rooms, psychiatric treatment facilities, and enhanced staffing at residential placements (both psychiatric and disability). In addition, they utilize other state-funded community resources such as law enforcement, court systems, and juvenile/adult prisons. These costly resources are often not appropriate and can be avoided with a proactive systems approach that utilizes evidence-based practices: the START model.
ArkSTART is based on a national model created through the University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disabilities, at the Center for START Services, by Dr. Joan Beasley. The model has been implemented in nine (9) states to date, including Arkansas.
ArkSTART provides services including 24/7 crisis response, training/technical assistance on a variety of topics pertinent to dual diagnosis, specialty model clinic, medication consultation, cross-systems planning, and Positive Behavior supports training.
Arkansas became the second site in the country to achieve two-year certification in May, 2018, following a site-review by Dr. Beasley and her team. While Arkansas has implemented only particular components of the START model, the outcomes to date have included improved quality of life for recipients and decreased expenditures. In fact, active cases in Arkansas have shown a 50% reduction in both the use of hospital emergency room treatment and emergency psychiatric hospital placements.
Keyword(s):
Dual diagnosis; behavioral health; I/DD; crisis prevention/intervention
Core Function(s):
Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Empowerment Zone, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
