General Relief Policy - Department of Public Social Services

Following are guidelines to help identify individuals
that may be NSA.
Some observable indicators are:
• appears very confused, frustrated or disturbed,
• dresses inappropriately for the weather or
strangely attired;
• appears to be talking to themselves or making
bizarre statements;
• displays inappropriate moods, such as crying
uncontrollably;
• provides inappropriate answers to questions;
• appears physically agitated or cannot sit still;
• is very anxious or very depressed;
• is guarded or suspicious;
• exhibits signs of cuts or burns;
• has extremely poor hygiene;
• exhibits a hostile demeanor without cause or
provocation; or
• appears to hear or see something that is not
there.
GR 41-102.2 –
Informational Indicators
Are there any other indicators for identifying
potential NSA individuals?
In addition to the observable characteristics, an
individual may provide information during the
course of a conversation with staff that indicates
some mental disability, such as:
• Has taken or is taking psychiatric medication,
such as Prozac, Seroquel, Paxil, Abilify,
Lexapro, Geodon, etc.
• Has been hospitalized in the past 12 months in a
psychiatric facility or other facility for psychiatric
treatment.
• Attempted suicide in the past or is talking about