Jail Diversion Program

Our Jail Diversion Program has received wide acclaim for integrating clinical responders with the police process in order to stem crises resulting from behavioral disorders. Under the program, our mental health experts train and work alongside the Framingham Police Department and are available 24/7 to help evaluate questionable behavior and determine appropriate treatment. Cross training of the police by clinicians / clinicians by police has led to a mutual understanding and respect, and both the police and crisis teams have felt enhanced. The police have reported that the number of 'repeat players' has decreased as people are referred for appropriate services and away from the criminal justice system. Our jail diversion initiative was awarded the "Distinguished Service Award" from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.

In 2009 Advocates, with consultation and support from the Framingham Police Department, launched a second Jail Diversion Program with the Marlborough Police Department.

To learn more, please visit the Framingham Jail Diversion Program website by clicking here. To contact the Jail Diversion Program directly, email jdp@framinghampd.org.
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Supporting you, your loved ones, your friends, Your neighbors...

 
Advocates provides support services for people with:
  • Mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse
  • Intellectual or developmental disabilities or co-occurring mental illness and developmental disability
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Autism and pervasive developmental disabilities
  • Acquired or traumatic brain injury
 
We also provide support services for:
  • Deaf adults with mental illness or a developmental disability
  • Families who are supporting a family member with a disability
  • Elders living in the community who may have a mental illness or substance abuse disorder
  • Adults with a mental health diagnosis in jail or re-entering the community
  • Youth in transition from foster care
  • Individuals and families who are homeless or at risk for homelessness
How to access services