Understanding Mobile Response in New Jersey

When a child or youth is experiencing an escalating emotional or behavioral crisis, families may need help quickly but may not necessarily need an emergency room. New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care offers Mobile Response and Stabilization Services to help eligible youth and families experiencing a behavioral or emotional crisis.

After you contact PerformCare, the situation is assessed and Mobile Response may be authorized when appropriate. New Jersey states that Mobile Response may provide face-to-face crisis services in the family’s home or another appropriate location. Telehealth may also be available when requested and clinically appropriate.

Mobile Response is not necessarily just one visit. When continued intervention is needed, stabilization services may follow the initial response. New Jersey indicates that stabilization services may continue for up to eight weeks depending on the youth’s needs. The team may also help connect the family with additional services when appropriate.

Examples may include:

• Serious behavioral escalation
• Emotional crisis
• Family difficulty safely managing escalating behavior
• A situation where immediate behavioral-health support is needed
• A youth struggling to remain safely in the home or community

This is not a rigid eligibility checklist. PerformCare determines the appropriate response based on the situation.

• Child's name and age
• Where the child is currently located
• What is happening right now
• What happened before the crisis
• Whether anyone is injured
• Whether there is immediate danger
• Relevant diagnoses
• Medications if relevant
• Services already involved
• What has helped calm the child before

• What should I expect next?
• Is Mobile Response being dispatched?
• Approximately when should I expect contact?
• What should I do if the situation becomes more dangerous?
• What follow-up services may be available?
• Who should I call if another crisis happens?