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Library of Publications

Report of the Community Policing and Behavioral Health Advisory Council

October 20, 2023

Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and Technical Assistance Collaborative

This legislative study provides an in-depth review of the Massachusetts crisis system and offers recommendations to maximize the use of best practices for a system that is organized, integrated, and accessible.

The History of Bridgewater State Hospital

October 2, 2023

Jennifer Honig, JD, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health

Bridgewater State Hospital is Massachusetts’ prison for men with serious psychiatric needs who also have pending criminal charges or convictions or who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Letter in objection to the use of Emergency Treatment Orders at Bridgewater State Hospital

April 26, 2022

Danna Mauch

MAMH letter showing strenuous objection to the use of Emergency Treatment Orders at Bridgewater State Hospital submitted to Chair Day, Chair Eldridge, and Honorable Members of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.

Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission: Year Four Findings and Recommendations

April 26, 2022

Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission

This legislative report describes activities the Commission completed in Year Four, including the development of procurement documents, changes to the service model, and a timeline for implementation of a restoration center in Middlesex County.

Efficacy of Service Delivery Reforms at Bridgewater State Hospital

March 4, 2022

Disability Law Center

The Disability Law Center's report finds significant inadequacies in treatment at Bridgewater State Hospital.

Testimony dated June 28, 2021 in support of an act to ensure the constitutional rights and human dignity of prisoners on mental health watch.

June 25, 2021

MAMH

A November, 2020 report by the U.S. Department of Justice identified constitutional violations and serious concerns regarding the treatment of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis in Massachusetts prisons.

Suicide Prevention in Prisons: Ensuring Dignity and Constitutional Rights of Prisoners on Mental Health Watch

June 24, 2021

MAMH

This Fact Sheet provides an overview of MA legislation to rectify serious safety and constitutional concerns identified by the U.S. Department of Justice after an investigation of the MA Department of Correction’s suicide prevention and response practices.

Behavioral Health Crisis and Diversion from the Criminal Justice System: A Model for Effective Community Response

June 16, 2021

Bren Manaugh

Involvement in the criminal justice system compounds the challenges faced by people with behavioral health issues, interrupting access to benefits, treatment relationships and routines and other sources of support and stability, and making them vulnerable to trauma.

Testimony Regarding Penalties for Assault on Certain First Responders

June 15, 2021

Danna Mauch

Testimony dated June 15, 2021 in opposition to H.1888/S.926, which would increase criminal penalties for assaults on certain first responders.

Criminal Legal System Diversion: Creating a Behavioral Health Emergency Response System

May 13, 2021

MAMH

We know that the involvement of police can escalate a behavioral health crisis, causing fear or triggering trauma reactions. Yet individuals experiencing a crisis and their families often find themselves with nowhere to turn but 911.

Fact Sheet: Restoration Center, Creating a behavioral health crisis and urgent care center

April 21, 2021

MAMH

This brief document outlines details on creating a behavioral health crisis and urgent care center, and the corresponding line items/sections of the 2022 budget that would fund this center.

Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission Year Three Findings and Recommendations

April 13, 2021

Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission

This Year Three report of the Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission provides a plan for accomplishing the task of piloting a Restoration Center in Middlesex County and legislative recommendations for Year Four of the Commission.