Crisis Navigator

I can't safely care for my loved one at home

Safety comes first. If there is immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, name what's happening clearly to OPWDD, your Care Manager, and your provider — that triggers crisis pathways that 'I need help' alone does not.

In the next hour

If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 and request someone trained in mental health response if available.
Call OPWDD START / crisis services if behavior is the issue: 518-473-1973 to find your regional team.

This week

Notify your Care Manager in writing that the placement is unsafe and document why.
Request a Life Plan emergency review and add 'risk of out-of-home placement' to your goals.
Ask about emergency respite, crisis residence, or short-term certified placement.
Contact a special needs attorney about emergency guardianship or housing options.

Phone numbers

OPWDD Information Line866-946-9733
NY Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988

What to say (script)

I am calling because I can no longer safely care for [name] at home. The specific risks are [list]. We need [crisis residence / emergency respite / housing placement]. I am formally requesting this be treated as a crisis under OPWDD policy and documented in the Life Plan today.

Browse full scripts library →

Documents to gather

✓Current Life Plan and IEP (if applicable)
✓Documentation of incidents (dates, what happened)
✓Medication and treatment history
✓Letters from physicians or psychiatrists

Red flags — don't accept

!Provider says 'just wait it out'
!Care Manager unreachable for >48 hours during a crisis
!Hospital discharges back to unsafe home