Press Release  Massachusetts Probation Commissioner Is Recognized With Prestigious Award

Boston, MA — Massachusetts Commissioner of Probation Edward J. Dolan was presented with the annual Leadership Award by the Adolescent Consultation Services (ACS) at its Annual Fall Event last evening at the Union Club in Boston.

Dolan, who has served as Probation Commissioner for three years and formerly as Commissioner of the Department of Youth Services (DYS), was recognized for demonstrating outstanding leadership in his work with court-involved children and families as well as for making an outstanding contribution to the knowledge base that helps serve children more effectively, according to Dr. Leah Kelly, executive director of the Cambridge-based ACS.

The Commissioner is the eighth person to receive this annual award which has also been presented to Harvard Law School Professor Charles Ogletree; Boston-based psychiatrist Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk; Harvard Professor of Child Health and Development Dr. Jack Shonkoff, and Presiding Justice of the Middlesex Juvenile Court Jay D. Blitzman.

“Commissioner Dolan is our choice for our Leadership Award this year because of his steadfast commitment to ensuring the highest standard of excellence of all who provide services for court-involved children and families in the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Kelly. “He sets a standard of excellence for everyone who works in our field.”

Dolan said of the recognition, “I am deeply honored to receive this award and to be among the esteemed group of individuals who were previously honored. Juvenile probation is about delivering the right services at the right point to prevent deeper penetration into the court system.”

The ACS’ mission is to alleviate barriers to care for court-involved youth and families. Established in 1973, ACS provides the Juvenile Court Clinic services for the Middlesex Juvenile Court to address the mental health and behavioral health needs of court-involved children. ACS evaluates, counsels, and advocates for at-risk youth and their families, connecting them with the resources they need to overcome obstacles due to trauma, family difficulties, and mental health issues.

The Massachusetts Probation Service’s mission is to increase community safety, reduce recidivism, contribute to the fair and equitable administration of justice, support victims and survivors, and assist individuals and families in achieving long term positive change.

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