As students return to school across the metro area, mental health is a top concern for many parents.
Cari Soto serves as a juvenile mental health co-responder with the Omaha Police Department. Her role, established in 2021, was designed to assist during mental health crises at schools. Soto collaborates closely with school resource officers and can be called upon to handle various situations.
“While schools have social workers and counselors, there are times when ongoing issues or uncertainty about whether a student needs hospitalization arise,” Soto explained. “That’s when I step in to assess the situation and provide recommendations.”
Although Soto specializes in juvenile mental health, she is trained to respond to any community incident, just like her fellow co-responders. On the scene, she works to reduce tension and de-escalate situations.
“Officers handle calls very well, but sometimes having someone not in full uniform can make a difference,” Soto said. “We wear t-shirts, soft uniforms, and sometimes polos instead of full police uniforms, which can be less intimidating for children.”
Recently, Soto has observed an increase in wellness checks and hospital admissions for mental health issues among children. She advises parents to monitor physical changes in their children, such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and significant weight fluctuations. She emphasizes the importance of open communication.
“It’s crucial for parents to discuss difficult topics like self-harm with their children,” Soto said. “There’s a misconception that asking about suicide might encourage it, but often it provides relief and an opportunity to talk.”
For Soto, the most rewarding part of her job is helping people and listening to their stories. She finds it fulfilling to support those in pain, ensuring they feel heard and valued.
“Every day is different, but knowing I can make a positive impact and support others is very satisfying,” Soto said.
Each Omaha Police Department precinct is equipped with at least one co-responder to address mental health crises. The Northwest precinct has two co-responders due to higher demand in the area.
