FAQs
Where are the screenings completed?
Blue Line Professional Consultants will cater to the preferences of the agency. Many agencies prefer that they are completed on-site for convenience of personnel. We will gladly complete them at your agency as long as the agency provides a location where confidentiality can be maintained. We will also arrange an alternate location if the agency should choose to have the screenings completed off-site.
What information in the screening is disclosed to the department?
Per recommendations from the Illinois Training and Standards Board, the ONLY information that can be provided to the department is verification of completion of the screening. It should be noted that as clinicians, threats of imminent danger to self or others, abuse or neglect of a minor, and abuse or neglect of an elderly or disabled person still require that the clinician report these circumstances to the appropriate agency (DCFS, Department of Aging, etc.).
Does this have any role in fitness-for-duty related concerns?
Mental health screenings do not yield any determination in fitness for duty. If an agency has concerns about an individuals fitness for duty, they should refer to the policy at their agency regarding fitness for duty. If a fitness for duty examination is deemed to be warranted, the individual should be referred for an independent fitness for duty examination. Blue Line Professional Consultants does not complete these examinations.
What is a mental health screening?
A mental health screening is designed to identify potential stressors in an individual’s life. A screening is NOT utilized to assess for or diagnose any mental health disorder.
If a stressor is identified, what does Blue Line provide?
At the conclusion of every mental health screening, each individual, regardless of any information that is reported, will receive a list of clinicians who have been vetted by first responders in addition to a list of other helpful resources. If a specific stressor is identified, Blue Line Professional Consultants will provide individualized resources and referrals to that individual. It should be noted that these referrals are NOT reported back to the agency, nor does Blue Line Professional Consultants follow-up with whether or not an individual utilizes the resources provided.
Can the screenings be used in the process for determining promotions?
The answer is NO! All information disclosed in a mental health screening with the exception of the limits previously listed, must be kept strictly confidential. The mental health screening may not be used in the process of determination of promotions under any circumstances.
The ultimate goal? Improving the wellness of your staff.
As administration or command staff in an agency, we understand that there may be concerns about wanting to know if one of your sworn personnel reports something concerning. The standards for these screenings are set forth with the goal of increasing comfortability in being honest with any stressors that someone may be facing. Blue Line Professional Consultants will implement these screenings from a preventative approach that promotes officer wellness and intends to address any stressors before they cause any serious implications in an individual’s life.