About the Woonsocket Situation Table

Overview

The Woonsocket Situation Table is a coordinated, multi-agency initiative designed to identify and respond to individuals or families at Acutely Elevated Risk (AER) of harm. The Table brings together public safety, health, education, housing, and community partners to provide rapid, structured intervention when traditional services alone are not sufficient.

Origins of the Model

The Situation Table model was developed in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada in 2011. It was designed to break down silos between police, fire/EMS, health care, housing, and social services by creating a structured weekly meeting where partners could address complex situations before they escalated.

Since then, the model has expanded widely across Canadian provinces and has been adopted in communities across the United States, including Newport–Middletown (RI), Chautauqua County (NY), and Vermont. Evaluations have shown the model can reduce repeat 911 calls, improve cross-agency collaboration, and connect residents to services faster.

Woonsocket Implementation

In April 2025, the City of Woonsocket convened more than sixty representatives from local agencies and organizations for a two-day training at Millrace to launch the city’s first Situation Table. The Woonsocket Situation Table originated as a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, the Woonsocket Education Department, and the Beloved Woonsocket Workgroup. Papitto Opportunity Connection (TRIS), Leadership RI, and the Rhode Island Foundation provided support for the initial two-day Situation Table training in April 2025, for over 60 participants/agencies. The Woonsocket Education Center (WOC) offers in-kind support and a centrally located, fully accessible space for the Woonsocket Situation Table’s weekly meetings at 115 Main Street.

Core partners include:

Woonsocket Police Department
Woonsocket Fire Department
City of Woonsocket officials and Human Services staff
Local health and behavioral health providers
Housing organizations
Schools and youth-serving agencies
Community nonprofits and faith-based groups

These agencies meet weekly to review referrals, apply the four-filter process, and coordinate interventions for those at acutely elevated risk.

The Four-Filter Process

The Table operates under a four-step information-sharing system that balances action with privacy:

Filter 1 — Agency Screening: The referring agency internally reviews the case to determine if it meets the AER threshold. If not, the agency manages it through normal channels.
Filter 2 — De-identified Table Review: At the weekly Table meeting, the referral is presented without names or identifiers, focusing only on risk factors. The Table decides if the situation qualifies as AER.
Filter 3 — Lead Agency Identification: Only the agencies best positioned to reduce the risk are identified. At this stage, minimal personal information may be shared with those agencies — and only with their staff. Consent from the individual or family is sought wherever possible.
Filter 4 — Coordinated Huddle & Outreach: The identified agencies meet outside the main Table to share necessary details, develop an action plan, and conduct outreach within 24–48 hours.

This process ensures that names are never shared widely, confidentiality is preserved, and only the minimum necessary information is exchanged.

Confidentiality and Consent

All partner agencies at the Woonsocket Situation Table sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). These agreements ensure that information shared in the process is used only to reduce risk and cannot be shared or acted on outside the Table’s mandate.

In addition:

Whenever possible, the Table seeks written or verbal consent from the individual or family before sharing their information with partner agencies.
Even with consent, only those agencies directly involved in addressing the risk will receive identifying details.
Respect, dignity, and privacy are at the center of every discussion and outreach plan.

Submitting a Referral

If you are aware of an individual or family that may be appropriate for referral, please contact the appropriate partner agency and request they present the situation to the table.

How You Can Help

Join as a Partner Agency

Participation requires less than one hour per week. Agencies that frequently engage with at-risk residents are encouraged to become partners.

Help Us Spread the Word

Awareness is critical. Share information about the Situation Table on social media, in newsletters, and during community events. Helping residents and service providers understand the Table increases the likelihood of appropriate referrals.

Provide Support

The Table relies on both in-kind and financial support to sustain training, coordination, and outreach. If you are in a position to contribute, please contact us.

City Commitment

The City of Woonsocket has formally endorsed the Situation Table as part of its broader strategy for public safety and community well-being. By fostering collaboration and acting quickly to reduce risk, the Table strengthens the city’s capacity to protect and support its residents.