Halifax has introduced a new civilian initiative in Dartmouth to assist individuals in crisis situations as an alternative to involving law enforcement. The two-year trial project, known as CARE (Crisis Assistance and Response), was initiated on Monday by Halifax Regional Municipality. Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is overseeing the program, providing support to individuals aged 16 and above facing non-emergency, non-violent crises related to mental health, personal well-being, or substance use.
The CARE team, trained in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, mental health first aid, and suicide prevention, will be mobile and available to de-escalate crises, create safety plans, guide individuals to safe locations, and link them with community resources. The service will initially operate Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Dartmouth, Woodlawn, and Cole Harbour, expanding to round-the-clock availability in January 2026.
Community safety staff from the municipality will oversee the program, managing its evaluation and coordination. To access the service, individuals can dial 211, where dispatchers will assess the appropriateness of involving the CARE team. Emergency situations involving violence or weapons should still be reported by calling 911.
Both Halifax Regional Police and Halifax RCMP have expressed support for the introduction of civilian-led teams to enhance service delivery and relieve officers for law enforcement duties. The initiative aligns with Halifax’s public safety strategy, endorsed by the regional council in 2023, following recommendations from various reports and research, including the Mass Casualty Commission in 2023.
The launch of the CARE team closely follows a report by the Serious Incident Response Team that highlighted delays and challenges in the healthcare system related to a 25-year-old man in Halifax who died during a police arrest earlier this year. The report pointed out gaps in the response, including the unavailability of paramedics despite repeated requests by officers and delays in accessing the mental health mobile crisis team due to staffing shortages.
The mental health mobile crisis team, comprising social workers, nurses, and specialized police officers, provides telephone support 24/7 statewide and in-person assistance within the Halifax region. The introduction of the CARE team in Dartmouth signifies Halifax’s commitment to implementing a civilian crisis response model, in line with ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and address systemic issues identified in previous reports and studies.
