In the early hours of the morning, Portsmouth Police were called to respond to a welfare check at 12:43 a.m. after concerned out-of-town family members reported that their loved one—staying with a friend in Portsmouth—had threatened self-harm.
It took officers approximately an hour to locate the woman and her child, and upon finding them, the situation escalated into a crisis response. Medics were called to the scene, and the woman was transported to the hospital by Portsmouth Fire Department EMTs.
Meanwhile, the child’s father was notified, making arrangements to have the child safely cared for. A friend later dropped off the child at the Job & Family Services office around 2:30 a.m. Police also notified Child Protective Services to ensure the child’s well-being.
Handling Family Crises: What to Do in a Crisis Situation
For families in crisis, here are a few steps experts recommend:
- Reach Out Early: If someone shows signs of distress or a mental health crisis, reaching out to a trusted family member or professional can help prevent escalation.
- Know the Signs of Mental Health Emergencies: Threats of self-harm or violence should be taken seriously. Don’t hesitate to call for emergency help.
- Involve Child Protective Services When Needed: If children are involved in a potentially unsafe situation, it’s crucial to contact CPS to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Keep Contact Information Updated: Having the right contacts for family members or trusted friends can help emergency responders act quickly.
Both the jail brawl and this mental health emergency highlight how critical it is for authorities and the community to act swiftly and thoughtfully in moments of crisis.
