New CARE team expands to north Seattle, easing pressure on police with crisis response

The Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) team has recently expanded its services to north Seattle, providing crucial support for individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges. By collaborating with the Seattle police, these trained social workers are dispatched to manage welfare checks and low-level crisis calls, allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious incidents. Crisis responder Victoria Hanson highlights the significance of tailoring responses to the unique needs of different neighborhoods, particularly for those experiencing behavioral health crises. The CARE team operates from noon to 10 p. m.

and has the authority to initiate their own calls for service, which enhances their responsiveness. Given the current staffing shortages within the Seattle police department, this initiative is considered a transformative approach to public safety. They aim to offer assistance within an average of seven minutes of receiving a call, ensuring timely support for those in need. The CARE team will soon relocate to the Seattle Police Department’s North Precinct annex building as part of ongoing efforts to expand their services further into the South and Southwest precincts. This initiative marks a significant advancement in Seattle's approach to addressing mental health and homelessness in the community.