Community Behavioral Health Liaison (CBHL) Program
Adult Services
Strengthening Connections Between Behavioral Health and Public Safety
The Community Behavioral Health Liaison (CBHL) Program works in partnership with law enforcement, courts, and county jails to connect justice involved individuals with timely behavioral health supports. Through early intervention and coordinated response, the program helps reduce crisis escalation and promote safer outcomes for individuals and communities.
Direct Referrals from Justice and Public Safety Partners
Referrals to the CBHL program come directly from trusted community partners who encounter individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges.
Referral partners include:
- Local law enforcement agencies
- Courts
- County jails
CBHL services are focused on adults, while the Youth Behavioral Health Liaison (YBHL) program provides specialized support for young people and families.
Jail Liaison Outreach and Engagement
At the core of the program are Jail Liaisons, who partner closely with county jails to support individuals who are incarcerated and experiencing mental health challenges. The team provides early engagement and helps establish a pathway to care.
Jail Liaison services may include:
- Initial outreach and relationship‑building
- Support for justice‑involved individuals during incarceration
- Connection to behavioral health and community resources
- Acting as a liaison between behavioral health services and first responders
Forensic Specialist Services
The CBHL team includes two Forensic Specialists who provide intensive behavioral health services to defendants committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) as Incompetent to Proceed (ITP). Utilizing evidence‑based practices, they deliver individualized competency restoration and behavioral health support to help clients safely and successfully move forward in the legal process.
Forensic Specialist services include:
- Competency restoration using evidence‑based practices
- Individual and group behavioral health interventions
- Regular communication with the DMH Mobile Team on progress and status
- Case management, re‑entry planning, and home planning for stabilization
- Ongoing support throughout involvement with the criminal justice system
Based out of the Clay County Jail, Forensic Specialists serve clients across the region, not limited to Clay, Platte, and Ray counties. Their role strengthens continuity of care between the jail, community providers, and DMH services—supporting stabilization, safety, and successful transition back to the community.
Collaborative Crisis Response
CBHL team members actively collaborate with first responders to improve crisis response and follow‑up care. Staff participate in the local Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) council, known as TRI‑CIT, a multi‑agency collaboration dedicated to:
- Educating first responders on behavioral health topics
- Promoting coordinated, compassionate crisis response
- Supporting individuals during and after behavioral health emergencies
Community‑Based Support and Regional Partnerships
CBHL team members co‑respond with law enforcement on live calls and meet individuals in person to assess needs and connect them with appropriate supports.
Program partnerships include:
- Collaboration with more than 33 law enforcement agencies
- Service coverage across Clay, Platte, and Ray counties
- Ongoing relationship‑building to strengthen community‑based responses to behavioral health crises
