A wellness check (or welfare check) is a service initiated by a concerned party to ensure the immediate safety and well-being of an individual. Public safety or social service agencies conduct this intervention when a person is believed to be in distress, at risk, or unable to care for themselves. The primary goal is a brief, on-site assessment to confirm the person is not experiencing an emergency and does not require immediate assistance. These checks are reactive, triggered by a third party’s worry, and function as a form of community caretaking.
Criteria for Requesting a Check
The decision to request a wellness check is based on an individual’s sudden or unusual change in behavior, suggesting potential harm or incapacitation. This service is often initiated by family, friends, or neighbors who notice concerning deviations from a person’s routine. A frequent trigger is a sudden and prolonged lack of contact, especially if the person has known vulnerabilities like advanced age or a mental health condition.
Other scenarios warranting a request include observing signs of neglect, such as mail piling up or a pet not being cared for, or if an elderly neighbor hasn’t been seen in days. Concerns over an individual expressing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting erratic behavior also justify calling for a check. When requesting a check, the caller should provide the dispatcher with details, including the person’s full name, address, existing medical conditions, and the specific reasons for the concern.
Responding agencies usually include local police departments, who may dispatch an officer trained in crisis intervention. Some jurisdictions use specialized co-response teams that pair a police officer with a mental health professional. This intervention is intended for non-imminent situations where a person’s condition is concerning but not yet a clear, life-threatening emergency. If immediate danger is suspected, 911 should be called instead.
Procedure During the Visit
Once a request is dispatched, responding personnel proceed to the location to attempt contact and conduct a safety assessment. Upon arrival, they typically knock loudly and announce their presence, explaining that a concerned party requested the check. Responders look for visual cues from the exterior, such as signs of forced entry, the presence or absence of a vehicle, or visible distress through a window.
If the individual answers the door, the assessment begins with a brief interview to gauge their current mental and physical state. Officers observe the person’s demeanor, coherence, and any visible signs of injury or impairment. They also scan the immediate surroundings for obvious hazards, such as an unsafe living environment, to inform their decision on the need for further intervention.
If the person is contacted and states they are fine, and no signs of distress or danger are apparent, officers conclude the check and report their findings. Legal considerations change if no one answers or if the person is unresponsive. Law enforcement is permitted to enter a residence without a warrant if they believe “exigent circumstances” exist, such as immediate danger, a medical emergency, or imminent harm.
Forced entry is a measure of last resort, justified only to prevent loss of life or serious injury. This decision is based on the “totality of the circumstances” known to the officer. If entry is required, responders may attempt to contact a key holder, like a family member or landlord, before resorting to property damage. The entire procedure is documented, detailing the observations and the outcome of the visit.
Follow-Up and Potential Results
The outcome of a wellness check generally falls into three categories: resolution, referral, or transport.
Resolution
Resolution is the most common result, occurring when the individual is found to be safe, healthy, and simply unreachable or unwilling to communicate. Personnel report that the individual is fine, and no further action is necessary, though they may encourage the person to contact the original requester.
Referral
If the individual is in a non-life-threatening but concerning situation, the result is a referral to appropriate support services. This involves connecting the person with social workers, mental health resources, or community aid programs to address underlying issues like isolation or neglect. Referrals provide assistance and link the individual to long-term support systems to prevent future crises.
Transport
Transport occurs if the individual is seriously injured, experiencing a medical emergency, or is an immediate danger to themselves or others. Personnel will call for emergency medical services for voluntary transport to a hospital or psychiatric facility. Under specific state or local laws, an individual may be taken for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation if they are judged to be a danger and are unable to consent.
Following the assessment, the officer or dispatcher typically attempts to contact the initiator to relay the findings, provided privacy regulations allow. If the check leads to the discovery of a deceased individual or evidence of foul play, the procedure immediately shifts from a wellness check to a criminal investigation.
Wellness Checks Versus Medical Screenings
A public safety wellness check differs fundamentally from a medical screening, often called a “wellness visit” in healthcare. The public safety check is a reactive intervention, initiated by a third party in response to a suspected crisis. Its focus is confirming the person’s current safety and security, often involving law enforcement or specialized crisis teams.
Conversely, a medical screening is a proactive, scheduled appointment with a primary care physician, such as an annual physical examination. This visit focuses on preventative care, long-term physical health maintenance, and clinical assessments like blood pressure checks and lab work. The public safety check is a brief, safety-focused assessment, while the medical screening is a comprehensive, scheduled health evaluation.