City Highlights Youth Mental Health Support

ALBUQUERQUE - Kids don’t always ask for help, but it’s important to know when they may be struggling and seek support. Albuquerque Community Safety Department (ACS) joins communities across the country in recognizing Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of early mental health support and compassionate, trauma-informed care response for the city’s youngest residents.

Recently, ACS responders were called to assist a family with a preteen boy diagnosed with Autism and Oppositional Defiance Disorder. The child became upset over a delayed meal, and began lashing out physically at his parents. The situation started inside the home, then quickly escalated outside.

The family had previously worked with a third-party crisis team, but that service was only available on weekdays. Without that support on the weekend, the father recalled seeing an advertisement for ACS. He then called 911 and requested an ACS responder.

When the team arrived on the scene, they immediately noticed the child was startled. However, once he realized the responders were not police officers, he relaxed and began asking questions about their jobs. After calmly deescalating the situation, the team worked with the family to develop a coping strategy and remained on scene with the family until everyone felt comfortable returning inside and to share their meal.

“Children thrive when they are safe, seen, and supported—right from the beginning,” said ACS Clinical Supervisor John Dodd. “Young children are very reliant on adult caregivers to help them meet their needs. It’s important for these individuals to advocate for them."

“Addressing mental health care for youth helps set them up for success later in life,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Reaching children early with care and compassion, we give them the tools to thrive and keep families together.”

During their academy of instruction, ACS responders are trained in behavioral health, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and autism courses, ensuring that each responder receives the skills necessary to address complex matters.

For more information or to explore youth mental health resources, visit cabq.gov/acs.

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Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.