Overview
The Advocates Post-Response Jail Diversion Programs promote physical, mental, and emotional health by providing voluntary jail diversion and intervention through a flexible framework of outreach, counseling, psychoeducation, resource provision, and case management. The Post-Response team collaborates with police and co-response clinicians in 17 communities across the Commonwealth.
Programs
Blackstone Valley Connector (BVC)
The BVC program was initially launched with a grant from the Greater Milford Community Health Network, CHNA 6. Currently, BVC is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. The program offers support and resources to individuals and families in the Blackstone Valley who have had interactions with law enforcement, addressing a wide range of challenges.
Focusing on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, the Connector team provides voluntary jail diversion and intervention through outreach, counseling, psychoeducation, resource assistance, and case management. In collaboration with eight local police departments (Northbridge, Uxbridge, Douglas, Grafton, Millbury, Sutton, Blackstone, and Millville), law enforcement, first responders, and co-response clinicians can directly refer individuals and families to the program.
For more information, please call (508) 488-5084.
Community Outreach Initiative Network (COIN)
The Community Outreach Initiative Network (COIN) Collaborative is a partnership of nine towns within the jurisdiction of the Ayer District Court (ADC), including Ashby, Ayer, Boxborough, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Shirley, Townsend, and Westford. COIN aims to divert individuals affected by mental health or substance use disorders from the criminal justice system by connecting them to relevant resources. The program is supported by a DMH grant for the implementation of a Component Jail Diversion Program. Clinicians work closely with local police departments to identify and assist individuals in need of services. Following a 911 call, police or co-responders may recommend individuals for voluntary participation in the program. COIN connects participants to long-term support through Community Resource Navigators and collaborates with co-responders and law enforcement to ensure ongoing care after emergency interactions.
For more information, please email [email protected].
