Community Justice Support Centers

The Massachusetts Office of Community Corrections and Community Justice Support Centers offer community-based programs and services to help clients with criminal legal system involvement improve their lives and future. Support Centers are staffed by community-based providers, who work with clients to develop an individualized plan that focuses on specific needs and prepares people for success.

I just wanted to thank OCC for all the support. I had a rough patch where every day I was stressed from not knowing where I was going to stay. The resources OCC has are very helpful — granted the housing didn’t work for me. If I could encourage anyone that program and resources are helpful — all you need to do is ask.

I also wanted to thank the judge and the Probation Department for my sobriety and giving me the chance to prove I am not a career criminal; I’m just your Average Joe that had an issue with alcohol. You not only helped with my sobriety, you saved my life health-wise. This whole case was truly an eye-opener.

The last 14 months, I had a lot of time to self-reflect and was able to do that with a clear conscience. So – for everyone that has helped me with my sobriety and success so far and all the support — thank you.

– A client

People enter Support Centers through several pathways:

IST is an alternative to incarceration that can be ordered by the court. People who come to Support Centers through IST receive a mix of services and supports, such as treatment, education, employment counseling, and support with court-required activities such as drug and alcohol screening, community service, electronic monitoring, and day reporting.

If a person comes to court in immediate need of treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), education, or career counseling, that person, after talking to their attorney, can ask the judge to order them to PT instead of jail. PT at the Support Center includes all the services and support available with IST but during the pretrial phase of the case.

Sometimes a person needs support to ensure they will return to court. Instead of jail, the court may order them to attend the PSP at the Support Center. PSP will help them understand when they must be in court, check-in with them on a periodic basis, and connect them with resources they may need to stay safe and stable in the community.

When a person is placed on probation, they are often given obligations to fulfill and may be referred to the Support Center to fulfill those obligations. For example, the court may order a person to obtain employment or complete a GED or HiSET.

The Support Center is available to help anyone returning to the community after incarceration to help them with challenges they may face as they get their life back on track. This can include getting health care, SUD treatment, educational opportunities, housing, career counseling, and any other services that may help them succeed.

Do you have questions about accessing Community Justice Support Centers?

Office of Community Corrections

Edward W. Brooke Courthouse
24 New Chardon Street, Suite 1-700
Boston MA 02114

617-788-3500

co***************@ju*.us

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-out-how-community-justice-support-centers-work

When clients first come to the Support Center, they will go through an intake process to identify needed services and support. Working with their clinician/counselor, clients will create an individualized treatment and support plan based on their needs to facilitate healthy choices, build life skills, and improve functioning in areas of need.

Typical services may include:

This could be groups and classes that help clients learn how to make better decisions and repair relationships, and special treatment if a client is having problems with drugs and alcohol. This treatment and support can help clients develop new coping skills and prevention strategies with drugs and alcohol. CBT also assists clients in building better communication skills and becoming involved in social activities that can improve their quality of life.

The staff works with clients on activities such as GED/HiSET and college preparation, life skills, financial literacy, and computer and technology basics.

Clients will get help to develop resumes, and learn about training opportunities and resources to pursue a career.

There are regular check-ins so clients can stay on top of their goals.

The Support Centers will also work with clients to get access to and partner with many community-based support services, such as housing, counseling, SNAP, Mass Health application/coverage, HIV and STD education and testing, medical and dental care, domestic violence support, and vocational and educational training.

To learn more about Support Centers, download the handbook.