How to use 262-HELP

Facts regarding the Screening Law & 262-HELP:

1. 262-HELP functions as the Designated Screening Center for Bergen County and is governed by the NJ Screening Law.

2. The Screening Law applies age 18 and older.

3. The Primary function of a Screening Center is to provide Mobile Outreach services to adults & minors who may be dangerous due to mental illness and to facilitate least restrictive interventions.

4. 262-HELP bills for all services rendered.

Some helpful tips when working with 263-HELP:

1. When you call 262-HELP for a client who is voluntary for outpatient services, resource information will be provided to you/ client.

2. When you call 262-HELP to request services for a client who is voluntary for hospitalization:

A. Provide the Screener your name & telephone number.

B. Provide the Screener the client’s name, date of birth & Social Security number, if the client is his/her own legal guardian, insurance information and client’s hospital of choice.

C. The Screener will help/support you facilitate getting a client to an ER for admission.

3. When you call 262-HELP to request services for a client who is not voluntary for services or you are unsure if the client is truly voluntary for services:

A. Contact 262-HELP from a private office ; not in the presence of the client so you can speak candidly.

B. Provide the Screener your name & telephone number.

C. Use template below to assist you in requesting 262-HELP services for a client.

4. The Screener will request to collaborate with the clients treatment provider during the time of the outreach and may request your presence during the time of the Screening, should this be in the best interest for the client.

**262-HELP will provide services to the client’s of your facility accompanied by police. If the safety of the client/community in which he/she is located is acutely at-risk, police may be contacted and arrive at your facility prior to Screeners. The Police Officer may take custody of a person and take the person immediately and directly to a screening service (prior to the Screener’s arrival) if on the basis of personal observation, the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the person is in need of involuntary commitment**

When you call 262-HELP, the Screener will need:

1. The clients name, date of birth & Social Security number.
2. What is the client’s insurance?
3. How long have you been working with the client at your facility?
4. The basis for the crisis assessment (current/recent)
a. Is a mental illness causing the client to be a danger to self/others/property? If so, in what specific way?
a. Do you think the client needs hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others? If so, in what specific way?
5. Any acute medical conditions? Any chronic medical conditions? Any known allergies?
6. Is the client currently on any medication for medical conditions?
7. Is the client currently receiving psychiatric treatment? If so, what was the client’s diagnosis?
8. Is the client using drugs/alcohol/abusing prescription drugs? Does the client have a history of using drugs/alcohol/abusing prescription drugs? Last time of use for each substance?
9. Screener will advise of estimated time of arrival to your facility in order to evaluate the client.

Disclaimer: This information is taken from the Care Plus New Jersey pamphlet. I do not have an opinion of the service or can recommend it with a yes or no as I have never used it. Please call them for further information or for more questions.