One state looks to get kids in crisis out of the ER — and back home

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/02/09/ [login to see] /one-state-looks-to-get-kids-in-crisis-out-of-the-er-and-back-home
It was around 2 a.m. when Carmen realized her 12-year-old daughter was in danger and needed help.

Haley wasn't in her room — or anywhere in the house. Carmen tracked Haley's phone to a main street in their central Massachusetts community.

"She don't know the danger that she was taking out there," says Carmen, her voice choked with tears. "Walking in the middle of the night, anything can happen."

Carmen picked up Haley, unharmed. But in those early morning hours, she learned about more potentially dangerous behavior — provocative photos her daughter had sent and plans to meet up with an older boy. She also remembered the time a few years back when Haley was bullied and said she wanted to die. Carmen asked NPR to withhold the family's last name to protect Haley's identity.

She drove her daughter to a local hospital – the only place they knew to look for help in an emergency – where Haley ended up on a gurney, in a hallway, with other young people who'd also come with an urgent mental health problem.