ChAMPS is a mobile emergency service for families and children experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis in the District of Columbia. With one call to 202-481-1440, staff will assess the crisis and link you to appropriate services. This service is provided at no cost to District residents and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for children and youth ages 6 to 18.
This service is designed to help children manage extreme emotional behavior and assist families so that the behavior does not result in a child leaving the home. We come to you - wherever you need immediate help - to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Our team will provide in-home assistance when appropriate or arrange temporary placement in a respite home or other emergency setting as needed. The team also will assess whether a child's behavior poses a danger, requiring possible psychiatric inpatient hospitalization.