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In recognition of their innovative work and commitment to the communities they serve, Advocates Co-Response Jail Diversion Team will be honored with the Innovator of the Year Award at the 45th Annual Providers’ Council Convention & Expo in October 2020.
Since 2003, Advocates Co-Response Jail Diversion Program has partnered with local police departments, enabling clinicians and law enforcement to work together to respond most appropriately to the needs of individuals who are in crisis.
On the scene, clinicians provide rapid assessment and de-escalation and help refer individuals to the services they need. Police departments report that the number of re-occurring calls has decreased as people access more appropriate services.
Pioneered by Co-Response Jail Diversion Program Director Dr. Sarah Abbott, the co-response model can be replicated in other cities and towns across Massachusetts using DMH funding. Currently, the program operates in 15 communities and continues to expand.
In 2018, Advocates launched the Co-Response Training and Technical Assistance Center (CR-TTAC), the first hub for the co-response model in Massachusetts. CR-TTAC offers police departments the unique opportunity to receive evidence-based Mental Health First Aid trainings.
Read the recent article highlighting the Co-Response Jail Diversion Program in The Provider:
