Crisis Response Program: CART
Care Action Response Team
    

Contact Us

Office of Violence Prevention 1000 S. Fremont Ave.,
A9 East, Unit 61,
Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone: 626.293.2610
Email: ovp@ph.lacounty.gov


For data requests, please email: ovpdata@ph.lacounty.gov

For more information about what data is available for request, click here.PDF Icon

 OVP Crisis Response Program

Care Action Response Team Logo

In September 2020, the Board of Supervisors approved the board motion “Implementing the Office of Violence Prevention’s Strategic Plan and Creating a Coordinated Community-Based Crisis Response System” PDF Icon(Ridley-Thomas/Kuehl, 2020) directing the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) to develop a coordinated, community-based crisis response and violence intervention program.

In October 2020, OVP hosted two community listening sessions to obtain input on the design of a Crisis Response model that would be responsive to community needs. Feedback pointed to the desire for a physical community hub as a centralized place to gather and access services, the need for flexibility in the timing of initiation and duration of services based on family or community needs and preferences, and a choice in the types of services that are provided by a team that would include trusted community leaders, faith-based leaders and credible messengers that might vary based on the affected community and the nature of the incident.

The proposed model included three critical components: (1) rapid response to individuals and families most immediately impacted, (2) prompt communitywide communication, and (3) linkages to providers and services through ongoing follow-up and referrals. Permanent funding for this Crisis Response model was allocated to OVP in October 2022.

Incidents Infographic
CART Services

The OVP Crisis Response Program offers LA County the chance to patch and heal the ruptures that are created when violent incidents tear the fabric of the community. Implicit in the hybrid approach for an organized response to violent incidents are messages about the unacceptability of violence, about the shared pain caused by acts that make victims of some, but potential victims of all community residents, and about the commitment of neighbors, community leaders, and the County to stand with community members who have suffered harm. These messages are critical to prevention – they point to the possibility of a Los Angeles County that is safe for all.

The work of the OVP Crisis Response Program is guided by the philosophy that for healing and equity to occur, we must recognize the unique circumstances that apply to every individual, family, and community and must invest resources so that all individuals can thrive no matter their race, no matter their zip code. Each traumatic incident affects every person – and every community – differently. When local leaders and trusted messengers direct the healing process, responding partners can collaborate in a manner that serves the best interests of the community.

CART South LA Map

The OVP Crisis Response Program currently focuses on the South LA communities of Florence-Firestone, Westmont, West Athens, Willowbrook, and unincorporated Compton.

  Crisis Response Components

CART Logo with tree background

The Crisis Response Program consists of a trained Care Action Response Team (CART) that includes the OVP Crisis Response Coordinator working in collaboration with a local place based organization, Tessie Cleveland Community Services Corporation (TCCSC), and credible messengers, community interventionists, community health workers and other peer specialists, to support - and lead - responses to trauma, loss, and violence within South LA. The Care Action Response Team provides healing-centered services and resources at the time of the incident and in the weeks and months after the incident has occurred using a 3-pronged approach.


Learn more about the Crisis Response Program, click to download:

English Brochure PDF Icon  Spanish Brochure PDF Icon 

Rapid Response Icon   
I. Rapid Response to Crisis Incidents

Rapid, in-home, and in-community connection to youth, individuals, families, and communities most directly affected. The Care Action Response Team will arrive at an incident/crisis 24-48 hours after an incident occurs.

Prompt Community Icon   
II. Prompt Community-wide Communication

  • Distribution of information and resources through leaflets and door-to-door outreach
  • Conduct community meetings and presentations
  • Spaces for healing practices, dialogue and support
  • Education to build coping, conflict resolution, and healing skills
  • Community activation to build positive community connections and culture of care( vigil, peace rallies, etc)

Follow-up Referral Icon   
III. Ongoing Follow-up and Referrals

Follow-up and referral processes will provide linkages to community providers and services that are already set up to provide ongoing/longer-term social services and behavioral health needs. Culturally and linguistically inclusive services and staff will build trust and support community assets by using a trauma and healing-informed approach.



CART diagram  

  Contact Us

CAP Email Icon

If you need help with a crisis incident, call our warmline:

Crisis Response Program
323-586-7333 ext 2000

Monday-Friday 8am - 8pm
Weekend calls will be forwarded to TCCSC's message center for staff to follow up.


CAP Email Icon

For more information about the Crisis Response Program, please contact:

Charlotte Robinson-Perkins (she/her/hers)
Crisis Response Program Coordinator
CRobinson-Perkins@ph.lacounty.gov
626-293-2610

 Additional Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please use the following National resources to assist anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress:

211 LA Logo

211 Los Angeles County

211 LA provides information and referrals all health and human services in LA County. Trained Community Resource Advisors are available 24 hours a day to offer help with any situation.

Telephone: 211
Chat: https://211la.org/


988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Logo

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Telephone: 988 (English/Español)
Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/


Child Help Logo

Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services (APS) provides a system of in person response to reports of abuse and self-neglect about developmentally disabled adults, physically and mentally disabled adults, and the elderly (60 yrs+) who may be victims of abuse.

LA County Hotline: 877.477.3646 (24/7 Hotline)
Website: https://wdacs.lacounty.gov/services/older-dependent-adult-services/adult-protective-services-aps/


Teen Line Didi Hirsch Logo

California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) for Victims of Crime

CalVCB values its community partners in victim advocacy and victim services and provides tools and resources to help victims recover, heal, and thrive. CalVCB works to reduce the impact of crime on victims’ lives and reimburse crime-related expenses.

Telephone: 800.777.9229
Website: https://victims.ca.gov/


Child Help Logo

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

Adult Protective Services (APS) provides a system of in person response to reports of abuse and self-neglect about developmentally disabled adults, physically and mentally disabled adults, and the elderly (60 yrs+) who may be victims of abuse.

LA County Hotline: 877.477.3646 (24/7 Hotline)
Website: https://wdacs.lacounty.gov/services/older-dependent-adult-services/adult-protective-services-aps/


Child Help Logo

Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services

Child abuse, in all its forms, has a lasting and negative effect on children, families and their community. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or know of a family that may need additional support or access to resources, please contact DCFS immediately.

Hotline (California): 800.540.4000 (24/7 Hotline)
Outside California: 213.639.4500
TDD [Hearing Impaired]: 800.272.6699
Website: https://dcfs.lacounty.gov/contact/report-child-abuse/


LA County Domestic Violence Hotline

LA County District Attorney Office Bureau of Victim Services

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is committed to helping all victims of crime. The Bureau of Victim Services provides essential services to crime victims and witnesses.

Victim services representatives provide a range of free services to help victims become survivors. They work in courthouses and police stations and are available to provide assistance in several languages. Program services are provided free of charge and there is no legal residency or citizenship requirement.


Request Victim Services at: 1.800.380.3811
Website: https://da.lacounty.gov/victims


LA County Domestic Violence Hotline

LA County Domestic Violence Hotline

Provides 24-hour assistance to domestic violence surviviors by connecting to local shelters and other support resources.

Hotline: 1.800.978.3600
Website: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/dvcouncil/resources/Resources.htm


National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Provides 24-hour assistance to domestic violence surviviors by connecting to local shelters and other support resources.

National resource to assist anyone experiencing abuse through 24/7 confidential support.

Hotline: 1.800.799.7233
SMS: Text START to 88788
Chat: https://www.thehotline.org/#


STOP Violence LA LGBT Center

STOP Violence Program - Los Angeles LGBT Center

The Los Angeles Center’s STOP Violence Program strives to increase access to mental health and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, sexual assault as well as other crimes. Services include specialized assessment, crisis counseling, individual and group therapy and other essential resources.

Warmline: 1.323.860.5806
Email: STOPviolence@lalgbtcenter.org
Chat: https://stopviolence.lalgbtcenter.org/


Teen Line Didi Hirsch Logo

Teen Line

Teen Line provides support, resources, and hope to young people through a hotline of professionally trained teen counselors, and outreach programs that de-stigmatize and normalize mental health.

Hotline: 1.800.852.8336 (6PM-10PM PST English Only)
SMS: Text TEEN to 839863 (6PM-9PM PST English Only)

 Community Partner: Tessie Cleveland Community Services  Corp (TCCSC)

Tessie Cleveland Community Services Corp (TCCSC)

Tessie Cleveland Community Services Corp (TCCSC)

Tessie Cleveland Community Services Corp. is a not-for-profit community based mental health center serving children and families from birth through the end of the golden years. TCCSC’s service delivery model of providing services wherever necessary and convenient to the child and family is recognized countywide and is the cornerstone of their organization.

For more information, please visit:
Website: https://www.tccsc.org/
Email: info@tccsc.org
Phone: 323.586.7333

 Message from OVP Crisis Response Coordinator
 Charlotte Robinson-Perkins

Photo of Crisis Response Coordinator - Charlotte Robinson-Perkins

As the OVP Crisis Response Program Coordinator I am honored to serve in this role providing a healing and holistic approach to crisis response in Los Angeles County. Supporting individuals, families, and communities in South LA including Florence-Firestone, unincorporated Compton, Westmont West Athens, and Willowbrook communities is very dear to my heart. With over twenty-five years of service in these communities, I am excited and eager to work with community leaders, faith-based and community-based organizations, non-profits, and the private sectors to support and lead this work through a trauma-informed lens.

 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
Los Angeles County Seal: Enriching lives through effective and caring services