costello: There is no such facility in this area.

There is a tremendous need for safe, humane and alternative options to unwanted/imposed hospitalizations or a jail cell.

Admittedly, during one point in my child's experience I recall putting in a call to a crisis team. I had hoped that service might be something like that offered by the Open Dialogue approach. A care team that would come out to our home, help us work out some solutions that would respect the needs of all. After listening to the care worker boast about how many times he had forced people into restraints I opted to leave my child on the streets. It wasn't a very attractive compromise but I felt they'd have more of a fighting chance there as opposed to being in a locked room with four men.

There was also a time when I thought even a jail cell would be a more attractive option than a life on the streets. I secretly hoped they might be arrested and would somehow find the help that would help them.

Those responses probably spoke more to my own sense of desperation as well as a critical lack in crisis options. In the end, we were very fortunate to find a better hospital in conjunction with my child finding someone who made a deeper connection with them than I could. In between all those moments, frightened and saddened for them, I occasionally found myself praying that something, someone would watch over them.

I can only hope the same for you and your son.

~ Namaste


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