San Jose, Calif., March 9, 2004–EMQ Children & Family Services announced today that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Cisco Systems Foundation’s Community Grants Program for the agency’s Child and Adolescent Crisis Program. As the only mobile crisis counseling program in Santa Clara County, the team of mental health professionals provides multilingual assessment, intervention, and referral services to any child who is suicidal, a danger to themselves or others, or in any other kind of acute psychological crisis. The Cisco Systems Foundation grant specifically provides support for children and families who are under- or uninsured.

Because Santa Clara County does not have an emergency mental health facility for children, EMQ’s counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week free of charge to anyone under the age of 18 in the county. The crisis team works with teachers, police, parents, and other community partners to de-escalate a crisis situation, create a safety plan for the family, link them to other community resources, and avoid unnecessary hospitalization or institutionalization. EMQ’s Child and Adolescent Mobile Crisis Program focuses on keeping a child safe at home with his or her family. Costly hospitalization is avoided in 70 percent of crisis calls.

“The Cisco Foundation’s continuing partnership with EMQ is vital for children in Silicon Valley,” said Scott Staub, Vice President of Fund Development for EMQ Children & Family Services. “It’s not an exaggeration to say that this program has saved hundreds of lives every year. This funding allows us to continue providing a special, caring, and supportive environment on a quick-response basis. The only alternative is hospitalization and perhaps subsequent residential placement.”

The Cisco Foundation’s award will help EMQ more effectively respond to the unmet needs of troubled children and adolescents in Santa Clara County. Almost 40,000 children and adolescents in Santa Clara County suffer from definable psychiatric disorders. Yet only one out of six children are able to receive the help they need. Emotional disorders continue to be one of the fastest growing problems children and families confront, but funding from insurance and government sources continues to be cut.

About EMQ

EMQ Children & Family Services is the leading provider of children's mental health and social services in California, and works to transform the lives of 5,600 children and family members every year. The agency serves children who have been or are at risk of being removed from their family and community because of serious behavioral challenges, and has been nationally recognized for its innovation in family-centered, strengths-based programs. Headquartered in Campbell, California, EMQ Children & Family Services offers an integrated network of services including Wraparound (community-based) and residential treatment, support and educational services. Its Foster Family Agency provides temporary or permanent foster homes in 16 counties throughout the state.

Editor’s note: The Child and Adolescent Crisis Program at
EMQ Children & Family Services can be called 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at
(408) 379-9085 or 1-877-41-CRISIS (412-7474).

Press Contact:
Kristine Austin
EMQ Children & Family Services
Office: (408) 364-4029
Cell: (408) 718-8446
kaustin@emq.org