Assessment And Intervention Center Opens In Indianapolis

A new center opens  to help people who have involvement in the criminal justice system with mental health or substance abuse issues.  The Assessment and Intervention Center, or AIC, is the first building to open at Indianapolis’ Community Justice Campus.

Its services include addiction withdrawal treatment and connecting people to vital resources, like housing.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Commander Catherine Cummings said it will provide people with treatment options not in a jail or hospital setting.

"I’m really hopeful that the AIC will fill that gap, where officers have another option," Cummings said. 

The center opens with 30 beds, where people can have a safe place to stay, taking over operations of the former Reuben Engagement Center. Eskenazi Mental Health Center’s Dr. Ashley Overley said AIC will help them serve more than only people experiencing homelessness. 

"It’s a broader admission criteria and we are adding mental health expertise to the staff," Overley said. 

IMPD’s mental health crisis teams will also have space in the building. The center will be staffed 24 hours a day to help assess the needs of referred individuals.

"For people who are appropriate, who are voluntary and who don’t need hospital level of care, but still need support and housing and help assessing their needs and their goals," Overley said. 

When the center is at full capacity, it will be able to house up to 60 people. It opens with a $2.7 million annual budget.