Budget Amendment ID: FY2017-S4-620

EHS 620

Community Restoration Center

Mr. Donnelly moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5046-0000, by adding at the end thereof the following:-

"Provided further, that the department shall expend not less than $210,000 to develop a pilot jail diversion program in Middlesex County for persons suffering from mental illness or substance abuse who interact with law enforcement or the court system during a pre-arrest investigation or the pre-adjudication process in order to divert individuals from lockup facilities and emergency rooms to appropriate treatment. The pilot program shall be developed by an advisory committee that shall consist of: the Sheriff of Middlesex County, or a designee; the Middlesex District Attorney, or a designee; a member of the National Alliance for Mental Illness Massachusetts; a representative from each of the Middlesex County police departments that have received critical incident training or established a local jail diversion program; a representative from the department of mental health with knowledge of sequential intercept mapping and forensic services; a representative from the department of public health with knowledge of sequential intercept mapping and forensic services; a representative from a local community provider that delivers behavioral health services; a representative from the Trial Court with specialty court experience; a representative from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security; a representative from the office of the commissioner of probation; a representative from the parole board; and a representative from the Committee for Public Counsel Services. The work of the advisory committee shall include, but not be limited to: (i) an examination of national best practices including, but not limited to, the Bexar County model, which has received national recognition from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for its success in diverting individuals with behavioral health issues away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment; (ii) a review of the current capacity in Middlesex County to provide behavioral health services to individuals suffering from mental illness or substance abuse who interact with law enforcement or the court system; (iii) the development of a jail diversion program focused on providing integrated community-based services from a centralized location; and (iv) an analysis of potential cost savings. The advisory committee shall submit its findings and recommendations, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry out those recommendations, to the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than September 30, 2017"; and in said item by striking out the figures "$378,654,252" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$378,864,252"