Frequently Asked
Questions about the
F.I.R.S.T. Strategy
What is the Fast Intervention Risk Specific
Team (F.I.R.S.T.) Strategy?
Is the F.I.R.S.T. Strategy a new service
delivery model?
The F.I.R.S.T. Strategy is a formal coordinated
and collaborative risk intervention process that
brings the right services at the right time to
individuals or families facing situations of acutely
elevated risk.
F.I.R.S.T. Strategy is not a service delivery
agency or mechanism, but rather a way of utilizing
and mobilizing existing systems and resources in
a collaborated way.
Why are early interventions to address
risk important?
Being the first of its kind, the F.I.R.S.T. Strategy is
F.I.R.S.T. Strategy discussions and collaborations
a made in Chatham-Kent for Chatham-Kent
result in coordinated interventions to reduce
strategy. We have de-constructed the traditional
acutely elevated risk. These early interventions
situation table (a weekly in-person meeting of
have demonstrated the potential to reduce the
service providers) and created an ad hoc process
need for more intensive and reactive responses
that meets when we need to– with only those who
such
need to be involved.
apprehensions.
All
meetings
discussion,
are
where
focused,
with
participants
disciplined
collaboratively
as
hospitalizations,
arrests
and
How are partner agencies able to share
information
about
those
at
acutely
develop a specific and unique intervention plan.
elevated risk?
This will ensure those at risk are connected to
The values and processes guiding F.I.R.S.T.
appropriate, timely, and effective supports with
Strategy emphasize respect for privacy and
their privacy protected.
confidentiality. Disciplined sharing and recording
processes:
Acutely elevated risk means that a family or
•
individual is experiencing increased risk factors in
their lives and are moving toward crisis. With no
elevated risk are discussed.
•
intervention the risk is very high that this situation
could end up in a crisis. Examples; but not limited
to:
Children
incarcerated,
worse.
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apprehended,
violence,
hospitalized
homeless,
or
even
Ensure that ONLY situations of acutely
Limit the agencies to which information is
disclosed- only those who need to know.
•
Limit
the
recording
of
identifiable
information to ONLY those who play an
active intervention role.
Theses listed agencies have signed
F.I.R.S.T. Strategy Coordinator
agreements to agree to collaborate
together
to
help
families
Marjorie Crew
and
519-354-6221 ext 241
individuals in our community.
Adult Language and Learning
[email protected]
Presentations, training & team support
Alzheimer's Society
Chatham-Kent Building Development Services
Chatham-Kent Children Services
Funded and Supported by:
Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre
Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services
Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance/ Health Links

Ministry of Community Safety
& Correctional Services
(Proceeds of Crime Grant)
Chatham-Kent Housing Services
 CK Employment & Social Services
Chatham-Kent Police Service
 Chatham-Kent Police Service
Chatham-Kent Public Health
 Family Service Kent
Chatham-Kent Victim Services
Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre
CMHA and Addictions
Family Service Kent
Lambton Kent District SB
Medavie- EMS
Salvation Army- Chatham-Kent
St Clair District Catholic School Board
United Way of Chatham-Kent
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June, 2016