C.O.A.S.T. (Community Outreach and Support Team)
The primary function of a police officer assigned to the Community Outreach and Support Team is to work in partnership with medical care professionals in the assessment and treatment of the mentally ill. This includes linking individuals during and following a crisis with the necessary community resources and support systems to prevent further crisis. This also includes being a resource for information for other officers, assisting to reduce the workload on the front line officer and keeping statistics on the impact this program has in reducing police-related calls.
C.O.A.S.T. is…
- a joint program between the LaSalle Police Service and Hotel Dieu Grace Health Care.
- a team consisting of a plainclothes Police Officer and a Social Worker.
- provides in-home assessments and support to individuals with mental health and addiction needs to persons aged 16 or over residing in LaSalle.
- facilitates access to community services and supports to divert from the criminal justice system and/or hospital emergency departments.
C.O.A.S.T. is not…
- an emergency / rapid response service.
- crisis negotiators
- a response to violent individuals or individuals in possession of weapons
- first responders
Who can be referred to C.O.A.S.T.?
- Someone who has a history of chronic and persistent mental illness with frequent police and/or emergency room visits
- Someone who is at risk of arrest or hospitalization because of inappropriate or unusual behaviour
- Someone who is experiencing a decline in mental health that negatively affects day-to-day functioning. Often includes isolating from family, friends and service providers
- Someone who is reluctant or unable to access services and no longer has contact with a health support system
Goals of C.O.A.S.T.
- To prevent further crises and facilitate referrals to appropriate community service providers
- To divert from the criminal justice system and when necessary to facilitate court support service
- To divert from hospital emergency departments
Please contact the LaSalle Police Service Community Outreach And Support Team if you have any questions or concerns regarding a family member or loved one.
Call 911 for immediate assistance in emergency situations.
Team members:
Senior Constable Bonnie Racine
519-969-5210 Ext. 2541
H.D.G.H. Social Worker Stephanie Robinson
519 250-5048
Mental Health Support Resources
| Agency | Phone | Ext. | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Crisis Centre | 519-973-4435 | |||
| Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) | (519) 969-2112 | www.bana.ca | ||
| New Beginnings | 519-254-2363 | www.newbeginningswindsor.com | ||
| Brentwood Recovery Home | 519-253-2441 | www.brentwoodrecovery.com | ||
| Essex County Youth Diversion | 519-253-3340 | www.ecyouthdiversion.ca | ||
| Windsor Essex Community Health Centre - Teen Health Centre | 519-253-8481 | www.wechc.org | ||
| Maryvale | 519-258-0484 | www.maryvale.ca | ||
| Family Services Windsor Essex | 519-966-5010 | www.familyserviceswe.ca | ||
| The Inn of Windsor | 519-252-7768 | www.theinnofwindsor.com | ||
| Home and Community Care Erie St. Clair LHIN | 519-258-8211 | Home and Community Care Erie St. Clair LHIN | ||
| Canadian Mental Health Association | 519-255-7440 | www.windsoressex.cmha.ca | ||
| Mental Health Connections | 519-256-4854 | www.mentalhealthconnections.ca | ||
| House of Sophrosyne | 519-252-2711 | House of Sophrosyne | ||
| Windsor Residence for Young Men | 226-221-8464 | www.wrym.ca | ||
| Windsor Youth Centre | 519-563-9271 | www.thewindsoryouthcentre.org | ||
| BounceBack® | 1-866-345-0224 | info@ontario.cmha.ca | Bounce Back Ontario | |
| We help First Mental Health Assistance for first responders and their families | 519-255-7440 | info-referral@cmha-wecb.on.ca | We Help First CMHA | |
| Windsor Essex Community Health Centre - Sandwich | 519-258-6002 | https://wechc.org/ | ||
| Regional Children's Centre | 519-257-5215 | https://www.hdgh.org/rccservices |