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PR 26-0108

Sense of the Council on Supporting Humane and Trauma-Informed Responses to Behavioral Health Crises Resolution of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Christina Henderson

DC Council expresses support for trauma-informed, de-escalation-focused responses to behavioral health crises, emphasizing mental health expertise over enforcement.

Resolution R26-0284, Effective from Dec 16, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 014155
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Bill Summary · PR 26-0108

Legislative bill overview

This is a sense-of-the-council resolution expressing the District of Columbia's support for humane and trauma-informed approaches to behavioral health crises. Rather than creating new law, the resolution communicates the Council's position that crisis response should prioritize de-escalation, mental health expertise, and alternatives to traditional law enforcement when appropriate.

Why is this important

Behavioral health crises—involving mental illness, substance use, or psychological distress—often result in unnecessary arrests, hospitalizations, or dangerous escalations when handled by police alone. This resolution signals Council support for programs like mobile crisis teams and peer responders, which have shown promise in reducing harm and costs while improving outcomes in jurisdictions nationwide.

Potential points of contention

  • Police role ambiguity: Unclear how this framework applies when crises involve safety threats; law enforcement may view this as limiting their authority without clear operational guidelines
  • Implementation costs: Trauma-informed crisis programs require training and dedicated funding; no appropriations attached, leaving questions about who pays and how quickly change occurs
  • Definition gaps: "Trauma-informed" and "humane responses" lack precise definitions, potentially creating disagreement over what approaches actually meet the resolution's intent

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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