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Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Screening Assessment and Support Services

In an effort to provide improved coordination in the delivery of mental health services to youth, Illinois developed the Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) program for children and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis. This initiative rolled out on July 1, 2004, as part of the implementation of the Children’s Mental Health Act of 2003 (pdf) (html) (Public Act 93-0495), which was signed into law on August 8, 2003.

The SASS initiative is a cooperative partnership between the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Department of Human Services (DHS). The development of the tri-department SASS program created a single, statewide system to serve children experiencing a mental health crisis whose care will require public funding from one of the three agencies. This program features a single point of entry (Crisis And Referral Entry Service, CARES) for all children entering the system and ensures that children receive crisis services in the most appropriate setting.

Providers who accept referrals from the CARES Line are considered Designated Mobile Crisis Response providers by the Department. These providers are required to enter crisis assessment information into the Crisis Reporting System (CRS) for referrals they accept from the CARES Line. For information on using the CRS and requirements of the system, please review the CRS Manual (2019).

If you have questions or comments regarding the Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) program, please Contact Us.

Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or you have concerns for their immediate safety, that they may harm themselves or worry that they may require inpatient psychiatric treatment, please contact the CARES line at 1-800-345-9049 to access mobile crisis response services. Services are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

 

If you need immediate assistance or are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact 911.