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A Presentation on Community Emergency Services and Supports Act (CESSA) Updated Guidelines and Requirements Impacting the Village of Oak Park
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Introduction
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West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center (WSCDC) will provide the Village Board with an update on CESSA implementation, including dispatch requirements and potential operational impacts to the Village of Oak Park’s emergency response systems.
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Recommended Action
Receive and discuss the presentation.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• ID 26-131: A Presentation and Discussion on E.C.H.O. (Engaging Community for Health Outcomes Phase 1.
• ID 25-416: A Presentation and Discussion on E.C.H.O. (Engaging Community for Healthy Outcomes) Phase 1.
• ID 24-507: A Presentation and Discussion of Alternative Response to Calls for Service Phase 2.
• MOT 24-185: A Motion to Adopt Phase 1 of an Alternative Response to Calls for Service Pilot Program.
• ID 24-246: A Presentation and Discussion of Alternative Response to Calls for Service.
• ID 23-294: Presentation on the Alternative Calls for Service Response Taskforce Report.
Background
The State of Illinois is implementing the Community Emergency Services and Supports Act (CESSA), which establishes a framework for responding to behavioral health crises through coordinated 911 dispatch, mobile crisis response, and behavioral health system integration. Updated CESSA guidelines and protocols are currently evolving and may directly impact local dispatch practices.
The broader goals of CESSA are to divert appropriate calls for service away from traditional law enforcement response when behavioral health needs are identified. As the Village continues Phase 2 planning for co-response models, clarity on dispatch protocols and statutory requirements is critical.
WSCDC serves as the Village’s regional dispatch partner and plays a central role in call classification, triage, and routing under the CESSA framework. WSCDC Director Brian Staunton will share updates regarding the following:
• Updated CESSA guidelines and timelines
• Dispatch categorization and call type definitions
• Operational expectations for municipalities
Timing Considerations
CESSA Implementation is ongoing at the state and regional levels. Full implementation is currently planned for July 1, 2027.
Financial Impact
This presentation is information only and has no budget associated with the item.
Operations Impact
This presentation will support cross-departmental planning among Neighborhood Services, Police, Fire, and regional dispatch partners.
DEI Impact
This item has a positive DEI impact as CESSA is designed to provide more equitable and appropriate responses to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
Strengthening coordination between dispatch helps reduce unnecessary law enforcement involvement and improves access to culturally responsive care.
This approach aligns with the Village’s commitment to equity, public health, and trauma-informed practices.
Community Input
Community input has been incorporated through ongoing engagement facilitated by the Mental Health Task Force, stakeholders, and Village staff discussions with service providers, including behavioral health partners and regional collaborators.
Additionally, regional coordination with dispatch and crisis response stakeholders has informed the Village’s understanding of CESSA implementation and operational considerations.
Staff Recommendation
Staff Recommend that the Board receive and discuss the presentation.
Advantages:
• Ensures Board awareness of statutory CESSA requirements and evolving guidance.
• Supports data-informed decision-making for co-response models.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this informational item.
Alternatives
There is no alternative recommendation associated with this informational item.
Anticipated Future Actions
Following the presentation, staff anticipate a Phase 2 recommendation to be presented to the Board in summer 2026.
Prepared By: Vanessa Matheny, Community Services Administrator, Neighborhood Services
Reviewed By: Jonathan Burch, Assistant Village Manager/Neighborhood Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Presentation