About Barbara schneider foundation
The Barbara Schneider Foundation (BSF) is a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, Saint Paul Minnesota (MSP). The foundation provides de-escalation training in the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model, which promotes partnerships among the three core elements of Public Safety, Mental Health, and Community Advocacy. The training focuses on assisting individuals with mental illness and improving the safety of patrol officers and other responders, consumers, family members, and community members.
The BSF was founded by Barbara Schneider in 2005 after her son was killed by police officers during a mental health crisis. She realized that there was a need for better training for law enforcement officers to handle situations involving individuals with mental illness. Since then, the foundation has been working tirelessly to provide CIT training to law enforcement agencies across Minnesota.
The CIT model is an evidence-based approach that has been proven to be effective in reducing injuries and fatalities during encounters between law enforcement officers and individuals with mental illness. The model emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, and community advocates to provide a comprehensive response to crises involving individuals with mental illness.
The BSF's de-escalation training program includes classroom instruction as well as practical exercises that simulate real-life scenarios. The program covers topics such as recognizing signs of mental illness, communication techniques for interacting with individuals experiencing a crisis, strategies for managing aggressive behavior without using force or violence.
In addition to providing CIT training to law enforcement agencies across Minnesota, the BSF also offers support services for families affected by police shootings or other incidents involving loved ones with mental illness. These services include counseling referrals and legal assistance.
The BSF's mission is not only about improving outcomes during crises but also about building stronger relationships between law enforcement agencies and their communities. By promoting collaboration among public safety officials, mental health professionals, and community advocates through its CIT program; the foundation aims at creating safer communities where everyone feels valued regardless of their mental health status.
In conclusion, the Barbara Schneider Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides de-escalation training in the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model to law enforcement agencies across Minnesota. The foundation's mission is to promote partnerships among public safety officials, mental health professionals, and community advocates to provide a comprehensive response to crises involving individuals with mental illness. The BSF's CIT program has been proven effective in reducing injuries and fatalities during encounters between law enforcement officers and individuals with mental illness. By providing support services for families affected by police shootings or other incidents involving loved ones with mental illness; the foundation aims at creating safer communities where everyone feels valued regardless of their mental health status.