MA Shattering Silence

SD.1194 and HD.3789 An Act to Provide Continuum of Care For Severe Mental Illness

Continuum of Care services is a
less restrictive alternative to a
Civil Commitment for Inpatient
Treatment for those living with
severe mental illness (SMI).

For the individual, it can be more
beneficial.

For the public, less costly.

The current mental health
system is not currently filling
the gap of care for the most
vulnerable after hospital
discharge, resulting in high
relapse rates.

A large number of individuals
with SMI also become involved
in the criminal justice system in
Massachusetts, which highlights
the issue of criminalization of
those with severe mental health
conditions, and instead harshly
punishes such individuals.

The National Shattering Silence
Coalition recognizes these
benefits of the Continuum of Care
Proposed legislation in
Massachusetts.

Benefits Of Continuum of Care After Discharge

• Less restrictive than involuntary inpatient treatment
• Ensure gravely ill individuals will have quicker access to mental health services that are often difficult to access
• Streamlines up to 6 months of mental health services for the most vulnerable
• Reduce inpatient stays
• Does NOT force medication
• Accountability by the team in providing comprehensive services that are compassionate and person centered and include the individual

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