NYSTEC Supports Daniel’s Law Task Force in Release of Report and Recommendations

ALBANY — The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced that the Daniel’s Law Task Force has issued its recommendations for developing a statewide model for a health-led behavioral health crisis response. In a report delivered to Governor Kathy Hochul and state legislators nearly a year ahead of schedule, the task force recommends establishing health-led teams using standardized protocols for behavioral health crisis response, forming a technical assistance center, and piloting initiatives that recognize the unique character of New York communities.

“The task force recommendations reflect the exhaustive efforts taken to develop a robust behavioral health crisis response model that will better serve our communities statewide,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner and task force Chair Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “This report provides a roadmap for building a trauma-informed response and diversion system that will help communities effectively respond to individuals in crisis. I would like to expressly thank all the task force members for their extraordinary commitment to this process.”

Established by legislation in response to the death of 41-year-old Daniel Prude in 2020, the task force was charged with developing recommendations to guide behavioral health crisis response and explore avenues for related diversion services. Following its inaugural meeting in August 2023, the task force has spent more than a year studying presentations on different behavioral health crisis response models to inform their work.