Understanding the 5150 process: a needs assessment for the interagency collaboration and training in a rural environment

This exploratory study examined the perceptions and knowledge of human service agency professionals who are involved in the 5150 process in a rural community agency offering crisis intervention services. The eighty-two participants in this non-probability sample represent six human service agencies in a rural California community. Research data was collected through an eighteen question survey made up of both true and false questions as well as open response questions meant to elicit input on interagency difficulties, potential solutions and programming to improve collaboration. Study findings reflect that there are many misconceptions and varying perceptions about the 5150 process among the service providers within this community. There is also a great deal of interest in interdepartmental training and ongoing opportunities for line staff to meet and process issues that arise around the process as it exists now. Recommendations for fostering interagency collaboration and increasing the understanding of 5150 process requirements are listed for future action and research.