Marcus Delgado, Deputy Secretary of Administration | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has announced a new initiative in Berks County aimed at improving responses to individuals in crisis. This statewide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Technical Assistance Center is designed to enhance community safety and support those experiencing mental health crises.
The CIT model involves collaboration among local law enforcement, first responders, correctional staff, probation and parole officers, mental health professionals, and community advocates. These groups work together to ensure coordinated responses during mental health emergencies.
Jackie Weaknecht, Director of PCCD's Office of Justice Programs, emphasized the importance of the program: "Crisis intervention programs and trainings have made a critical difference for individuals experiencing crisis, including here in Berks County. This new initiative marks a major step forward in how we support communities across Pennsylvania responding to individuals when they need it most."
Weaknecht further explained that the CIT Technical Assistance Center will aid counties in building and strengthening their CIT programs. It aims to ground these programs in best practices while connecting them with others engaged in similar efforts. The goal is to equip responders with the necessary tools for creating lasting change.
Other speakers at the announcement included John Adams, Berks County District Attorney; Pam Seaman, Berks County Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Program Administrator; Kristy Belschwinder from Connections Work; and Chief Anthony Kuklinski of Hamburg Police Department.
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