Framingham Jail Diversion Program

A young mother, who is known to emergency clinicians, becomes increasingly paranoid about a health care provider who she believes is trying to ruin her life. Her husband does not know what to do with his wife who is becoming increasingly agitated and frustrated. When she assaults him, he calls 911. The police immediately contact the Jail Diversion Program and the woman is evaluated at the police station. She clearly requires hospital level of care and is released by the Bail Commissioner with assurance that she be hospitalized by the clinician. The women receives the mental health services which she needs, avoids an overnight stay in a jail cell which would have likely exacerbated her symptoms and her husband receives referrals for support and assistance.

Is this how people exhibiting signs of mental illness, substance abuse or other behavioral issues are treated in your city or town? Are you sure?


				A young mother, who is known to emergency clinicians, becomes increasingly paranoid about a health care provider who she believes is trying to ruin her life. Her husband does not know what to do with his wife who is becoming increasingly agitated and frustrated. When she assaults him, he calls 911. The police immediately contact the Jail Diversion Program and the woman is evaluated at the police station. She clearly requires hospital level of care and is released by the Bail Commissioner with assurance that she be hospitalized by the clinician. The women receives the mental health services which she needs, avoids an overnight stay in a jail cell which would have likely exacerbated her symptoms and her husband receives referrals for support and assistance. Is this how people exhibiting signs of mental illness, substance abuse or other behavioral issues are treated in your city or town? Are you sure?
		A 37 year old man comes to the attention of the Framingham Police Department when he calls to report that someone is trying to break into the house where he lives. Upon arrival, the officers find the individual outside of his house wearing only a towel and holding a gun. The gun is not registered to him and he does not have a firearms permit. The Framingham Police Department officers contact the Jail Diversion Program which provides immediate consultation and a psychiatric assessment that determines that the man is delusional and needs mental health treatment. He is clearly breaking several laws by being in the middle of the street half dressed with a gun which did not belong to him but is successfully diverted from arrest due to the immediate response from the Jail Diversion Program.

		© 2004 Advocates Inc. / Framingham Police Department