Press Release  Probationers will receive behavioral health care through MassHealth

Massachusetts — The Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) is one of several agencies that are working together to provide mental health care and addiction treatment services for up to 900 probationers and those who are court-involved as part of a program introduced by MassHealth. 

This behavioral health initiative — launched this summer in Middlesex and Worcester counties with plans to expand statewide in 2021 — will connect individuals who have mental health, substance use disorders and/or co-occurring illnesses. MassHealth has selected two vendors – Advocates, Inc. and Open Sky Community Services. The vendors will assist probationers by coordinating appointments with medical and behavioral health providers as well as help them find and maintain stable housing. 

In addition to MPS, the other partners involved with this initiative include the Executive Office of the Trial Court, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), Department of Corrections, Massachusetts Parole Board, the Middlesex and Worcester County Sheriff’s Offices, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

“We are excited to partner with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), MassHealth and Accountable Care Organizations to better meet the care coordination challenges for our population. The capacity to bring this innovative care management approach to complex medical and behavior health cases combines effective service delivery with probation supervision,” said Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan. 

Dolan added, “It is a combination that leads to enhanced public safety and more effective care and treatment in a more cost effective manner. This partnership will provide a model for much needed coordinated medical and behavioral health care and that will help change the trajectory of this population.” 

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