Welfare Checks: When to Call and What to Do After

When you care for a family member, it takes up much of your mental energy. You might worry when they don't answer your calls or miss appointments, especially if they have serious health problems, mental health crises, or the risk of suicide, which is increasing among older adults. Asking for a welfare check can give you peace of mind if you think your loved one might be in danger. But what exactly is a welfare check, and how do you know when to request one?

What is a welfare check?

A welfare check is an in-person visit from law enforcement officers to a person's home to confirm their safety. These checks are typically prompted by concern for an individual's well-being, and they can be life-saving for elderly people or at-risk populations.

When to request a welfare check

You should request a welfare check when you have serious concerns about the safety or well-being of someone unreachable or in a potentially dangerous situation. Common reasons to request a welfare check include:

• Not hearing from a loved one for an extended period of time, especially if it's unusual for them.
• Knowing someone is experiencing a crisis (e.g., mental health struggles, domestic violence, illness) and can't be contacted.
• Seeing signs of neglect, abuse, or dangerous living conditions (e.g., elderly individuals or vulnerable adults).

If you're unsure but have a strong sense that something is wrong, it's better to err on the side of caution and contact local authorities for help.

Who to contact to request a welfare check

To ask the local police for a welfare check:

1. Start by calling the non-emergency number of your local police department.
2. Explain your worries and give as much information as you can about the person you are concerned about, including their full name, address, and any medical conditions they may have.
3. Include if the person has any mental health or physical condition (like deafness or autism) that might make a police encounter difficult.
4. Prepare a list of their medications, emergency contacts, and any important instructions.

You can also ask to go with the officers during the wellness check if you think your presence might help your loved one. Stress how important it is for your loved one to have a non-violent response. Many police departments have people who are not armed and can help your loved one through a possible mental health crisis or emergency.

Local police department

Your local police department is the primary point of contact for requesting a welfare check. If you do not believe your loved one is in immediate danger, you can reach them through the non-emergency number. However, if you suspect immediate harm, dial 911 to receive the quickest emergency response.

Behavioral response teams

Some communities have specialized behavioral response teams that are trained to handle situations involving individuals with mental health issues or those in crisis. These teams may be more appropriate for certain welfare checks.

What happens during a welfare check?

Each welfare check is a little different. What should you expect?

1. Officers arrive: Law enforcement arrive at the home and try to make contact.
2. Verbal and visual assessment: Officers try to speak with the person and assess the situation visually. They may check the surrounding area for signs of forced entry or struggle.
3. Gathering information: If no one answers, officers gather information from neighbors or attempt to contact family members.
4. Forced entry: If officers have probable cause to believe the person is in danger, they may enter the home forcibly to render aid.

Risks involved in a welfare check

While welfare checks aim to ensure safety, they can come with risks. While police don't need a warrant for a welfare check, they may enter the home if there's reasonable suspicion of danger. Implicit bias, particularly based on race or disability, has led to tragic outcomes in some cases. Escalation is another concern, especially for individuals experiencing mental health crises, where interactions with law enforcement can sometimes lead to violence.

Some communities offer alternatives, like unarmed response teams trained in mental health and de-escalation, which may be less distressing for the person in crisis. You might also consider accompanying officers during the check.

Additionally, there are interpersonal risks. The individual may feel hurt, embarrassed, or betrayed, viewing the check as an invasion of privacy. This can strain relationships, so explaining your concerns and highlighting your intention to prioritize their safety is crucial.

What to do after a police welfare check

After the police check, talk to your loved one to show support and explain why you called the authorities. Listen to their feelings and discuss the reasons for involving the authorities to build trust and prevent resentment.

If the welfare check revealed that they need more consistent care or supervision, it may be time to look into additional resources. For elderly people or people with disabilities, there are many options available, such as in-home care services, adult day programs, or technology solutions for monitoring safety. These resources can help support them while maintaining their independence and improving overall well-being.

One option may be Medicaid waiver programs, which allow states to offer long-term care services at home rather than in a nursing facility. Some state waivers offer participant-direction programs like Structured Family Caregiving that allow family members to receive compensation for caring for a loved one, making it easier to keep them at home while providing necessary care.

Learn more about Structured Family Caregiving >>

A note from Givers

A welfare check guarantees the safety and well-being of your loved ones. If you have concerns about a loved one, don't hesitate to reach out to your local police department or a mental health crisis hotline. You might save a life.