Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is a Situation Table?

A Situation Table is a weekly meeting of multiple agencies that comes together to address situations where an individual or family faces an Acutely Elevated Risk (AER) of harm.

Purpose: To intervene early and reduce the risk of serious harm.
Who participates: Police, fire/EMS, health, housing, schools, and community partners.
How it works: Partners share only what is necessary, confirm if the case meets the AER threshold, and if so, assign the right agencies to act immediately.
Outcome: A coordinated outreach, usually within 24–48 hours, connecting the person or family to existing services.

2) Where did this model come from?

The model was developed in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada in 2011.

It spread across Ontario and other provinces, where hundreds of Tables now operate.
Evaluations in Canada have shown reductions in repeat 911 calls, improved collaboration, and faster access to services.
In the U.S., communities such as Newport–Middletown (RI), Chautauqua County (NY), and Vermont towns have adopted the model.

3) What does “Acutely Elevated Risk (AER)” mean?

AER is the threshold for Table discussion. Four conditions must all be present:

A significant interest is at stake (life, health, safety, or well-being).
The probability of harm is high if nothing changes.
The harm, if it occurs, is likely to be severe.
The situation requires multiple agencies working together.

If all four apply, the referral qualifies as AER.

4) How does the four-filter process protect privacy?

The Table uses a four-step process to carefully manage information:

Filter 1: Agency Screening
The referring agency decides internally if the case meets AER. Nothing leaves the agency at this stage.
Filter 2: De-identified Table Review
The referral is presented to the Table without names, focusing only on risk factors. The group decides if it qualifies as AER.
Filter 3: Lead Agency Identification
Only the agencies directly involved are identified. At this stage, minimal personal details may be shared with those agencies — and only with them.
Filter 4: Coordinated Huddle & Outreach
The identified agencies meet separately, plan the outreach, and act within 24–48 hours.

At each stage, confidentiality and dignity are prioritized, and only the minimum necessary information is exchanged.

5) How is Woonsocket using the model?

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.

The initiative was introduced by Margot [last name], who helped bring the model to the city.
The Table now meets weekly, using the four-filter process to coordinate interventions.

6) Who participates locally?

The Woonsocket Table is built on collaboration. Core members include:

Woonsocket Police Department
Woonsocket Fire Department
City of Woonsocket (Human Services)
Local health and behavioral health providers
Housing agencies
Schools and youth programs
Community nonprofits and faith-based partners

Participation may expand as new agencies join.

7) Who coordinates the Table?

The Table is coordinated by the City of Woonsocket Human Services Division, with support from the Police and Fire Departments. This ensures consistency, compliance with privacy protocols, and clear communication across partners.

8) When does the Table meet?

The Table meets once per week.

Meetings are structured and usually last under one hour.
Only referrals that meet AER are reviewed.
Outreach is carried out before the next meeting.

9) Is this an emergency service?

No.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
The Table reviews referrals weekly and organizes responses within a few days.

10) How do I submit a referral?

Use our Referral Submission Page.

Provide a short description of the risk and any agencies already involved.
Do not include unnecessary personal details — the coordinator will ensure proper screening.
Remember: for emergencies, call 911.

11) Who can refer?

Agencies such as police, fire/EMS, schools, health, and housing providers.
Community members, including family and neighbors, can also submit referrals. These will be screened carefully for appropriateness.

12) What happens after I submit a referral?

The coordinator reviews it (Filter 1).
If it appears to meet AER, it is presented in de-identified form at the next weekly meeting (Filter 2).
If confirmed, the relevant agencies receive minimal personal details (Filter 3).
Those agencies plan outreach within 24–48 hours (Filter 4).

13) Do you need consent to share someone’s name?

Yes.

Whenever possible, the Table seeks written or verbal consent from the individual or family before any identifying information is shared.
All partner agencies sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which legally bind them to protect information shared at the Table.
Only the agencies directly involved in the case see personal details, and only the minimum information necessary is used.

14) How is confidentiality protected?

Information is shared gradually through the four filters, with names withheld until absolutely necessary.
NDAs are signed by all agencies to reinforce confidentiality.
Consent from the person or family is sought whenever possible.
All partners are trained on privacy laws and respectful handling of sensitive information.

15) What is the time commitment for partner agencies?

Most agencies commit about one hour per week for the Table meeting. Agencies directly involved in a case may spend additional time on outreach, but the time burden is modest.

16) How is this different from case management?

The Table is not case management.

Case management: Long-term planning and follow-up by a single agency or small team.
Situation Table: One-time, rapid intervention to stabilize acute risk and connect people to existing services.

After outreach, responsibility rests with the appropriate agency.

17) What kinds of risks does the Table address?

Examples include:

A youth at risk of violence, disengaged from school, and facing eviction.
An adult with untreated mental illness and repeated police involvement.
A family facing overlapping risks of substance use, housing loss, and domestic violence.

The common factor is serious harm likely unless multiple agencies act together.

18) What outcomes are tracked?

The Table tracks de-identified data such as:

Types of risk factors present.
Agencies involved in each intervention.
Time from referral to outreach.
Whether risk was reduced after intervention.

This helps evaluate effectiveness and improve planning.

19) How can my agency join?

Agencies interested in joining can do so here. Requirements include:

Commitment to weekly meetings.
Willingness to share information responsibly.
Participation in outreach when appropriate.

20) How can community members help?

Spread the word: Share information about the Table on social media and in your networks.
Support financially or in-kind: Contributions help sustain coordination, training, and outreach. Visit our Support Page.
Refer appropriately: Submit referrals for people facing serious, multi-agency risks.

21) What if a situation does not meet the AER threshold?

Not all referrals qualify. If a case does not meet AER:

It may be returned to the referring agency.
It may be redirected to another community service.
The Table focuses only on acutely elevated risks.

22) How quickly does outreach occur?

For situations deemed appropriate for the table, outreach is usually carried out within 24–48 hours by the identified agencies.

23) Are there examples beyond Woonsocket?

Yes. Other communities using the model include:

Newport–Middletown (RI)
Chautauqua County (NY)
Burlington and St. Johnsbury (VT)
Hundreds of municipalities across Canada