Project Description:
ArkSTART is a Crisis Prevention/Intervention Project funded through a contract from Arkansas Department of Human Services/Division of Developmental Disabilities Services. It targets a specific population, individuals with an intellectual/developmental disability and co-morbid behavioral health condition who usually fall in the cracks between the two traditional service systems. ArkSTART provides services including: 24/7 crisis hotline, training on specific topics related to dual diagnosis, development of cross agency crisis plans, in-home therapeutic supports for stabilization, comprehensive record collection and review, specialty clinical consultation by psychiatrist skilled in dual diagnosis for medication management and appropriate therapeutic intervention, assistance with conducting functional behavior assessments and development of positive behavior support plans, and other services as necessary. The data on effectiveness of START shows that use of the model decreases the reliance on hospital emergency departments and psychiatric hospitals by 50%. This data has been collected on the Arkansas model and generically on the START model by researchers at Johns Hopkins. The model is therefore very successful in improving the quality of life of the individuals served and in creating significant cost savings for the state Medicaid agency.
Keyword(s):
Crisis Intervention, Dual Diagnosis
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Other
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, 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, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State, Regional
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
