What is a Wellness Check?
A wellness check, also known as a welfare check, is an in-person visit, typically conducted by law enforcement or public safety officers, to confirm the well-being of an individual. It is not a substitute for an emergency 911 call when there is an immediate threat, but rather a tool for concerned parties to use when communication fails or other red flags arise. The purpose is to determine if a person is safe and whether they require immediate assistance. Family, friends, neighbors, or even colleagues can request a wellness check when they have legitimate reason to believe a person's safety may be at risk. The process involves contacting the local authorities who will then send an officer to the individual's residence to attempt contact. What happens next is determined by the officer's findings upon arrival.
Reasons for Initiating a Wellness Check
There are numerous scenarios that can prompt a person to call for a wellness check. The core motivation is always concern for another's safety when standard methods of contact have failed.
Prolonged or Unusual Silence
One of the most common reasons is when a loved one who normally maintains regular contact suddenly becomes unresponsive. This could involve:
- An elderly relative who lives alone and misses their weekly call or visit.
- A friend who stops responding to texts and calls for an unusual length of time.
- A coworker with a history of good attendance who unexpectedly misses several days of work without any communication.
Concerns for Mental Health
If someone with known mental health issues, such as depression or suicidal tendencies, stops responding to messages, a wellness check is often a critical step. Posts or messages on social media indicating emotional distress, self-harm, or suicidal ideation are also significant red flags. In such cases, requesting a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer, if available, is recommended as they are specially trained to de-escalate and manage such situations. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can also be a valuable resource to call first, as trained counselors can provide guidance.
Vulnerable Individuals and Specific Health Risks
People who are more susceptible to certain health problems or vulnerabilities often trigger wellness checks from loved ones who are monitoring their condition. These situations include:
- An elderly person who has not been seen by neighbors for several weeks, especially if they have declining health.
- An individual with a known health condition, such as diabetes or a heart issue, who cannot be reached.
- Concerns about a person's substance use potentially leading to an overdose.
Observing Suspicious Activity
Neighbors or community members might request a wellness check if they notice signs that something is wrong at a person's residence. These can include:
- Piled-up mail or newspapers, indicating the person has not been home.
- A broken window or signs of forced entry.
- Unusual activity, noises, or suspicious vehicles around the property.
- Hearing signs of domestic abuse or violence.
The Wellness Check Process
When you decide to call for a wellness check, the process begins with contacting the local law enforcement agency. It is important to know whether to use the 911 emergency line or a non-emergency number. The choice depends on the perceived urgency of the situation. If there is an immediate threat to life, 911 is appropriate. For less urgent situations, such as a prolonged lack of communication, the non-emergency line is the correct choice. When you call, be prepared to provide the individual's name, address, your relationship to them, and all available details about your concerns.
When officers arrive, they will assess the situation. They will knock on the door and attempt to speak with the individual. If there is no answer and they have a reasonable belief that the person is in immediate danger, they may legally enter the residence without a warrant (exigent circumstances). If the person is found to be okay, the police will notify the requester. If the person is in distress, they will arrange for appropriate medical or mental health care. In the rare case of a fatality or foul play, a criminal investigation will be initiated.
Wellness Check vs. Other Crisis Response Options
Many communities now offer alternative crisis response models, especially for mental health-related calls. It's important to know the differences and which to choose.
| Aspect | Police Wellness Check | Alternative Crisis Response (e.g., CAHOOTS) |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel | Armed, uniformed police officers. | Unarmed behavioral health professionals, peers, and medics. |
| Best for | Urgent situations where the person's location is unknown, a weapon is involved, or there is an immediate threat of violence. | Non-violent mental health crises, substance use issues, or homeless outreach where a police presence may escalate the situation. |
| Approach | Focused on scene control and immediate threat assessment. | De-escalation, empathy, and connecting the individual with longer-term social and health resources. |
| Potential Outcome | Can result in transportation to a hospital, arrest, or, in tragic instances, injury or death during encounters. | Lower risk of escalation, less potential for trauma from law enforcement contact, and often more effective connection to mental health support. |
Understanding the Risks and Alternatives
While wellness checks are intended to help, concerns exist about potential risks, particularly during mental health crises. Unannounced visits from armed police can sometimes increase agitation and fear, especially for marginalized individuals or those with a history of negative law enforcement encounters. This has led to the growth of alternative crisis response models that prioritize de-escalation and behavioral health expertise. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide guidance on how to navigate these situations and advocate for more appropriate responses.
Conclusion
Deciding to request a wellness check is a serious step driven by genuine concern for another's well-being. The reasons range from simple communication breakdowns with vulnerable individuals to observing highly suspicious or dangerous behavior. Recognizing the warning signs, understanding the process, and knowing the difference between a police-led check and newer alternative crisis models are all crucial for making an informed decision. While law enforcement provides a vital service, concerned callers should carefully assess the situation to determine the most appropriate and safest intervention for their loved one. By understanding the available options, we can all contribute to a safer, more supportive community. For additional resources and information on mental health crises, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website.
