BOSTON, Mass. — The Suffolk County District Attorney announced an alternate to prosecution program that would target people suffering from mental health and addiction problems. District Attorney Kevin Hayden says instead of jail time when people are clearly dealing with an underlying issue, they will offer a path into a treatment program.
Susan Sullivan runs the Newmarket Business Association and has been lobbying for years to get people out of the tents, off the streets, and out of trouble. She believes the the DA’s new plan to divert accused criminals into treatment instead of just jail is a no brainier. “There has to be a pathway that doesn’t end in jail,” said Sullivan.
DA Hayden announced the idea at a news conference alongside North Suffolk Mental Health who will help coordinate the project. “We are no longer looking at charges or how many charges there were or some formulaic approach to those charges to decide what to do here. We are looking at the human being,” said Hayden.
The person could opt into the program at their arraignment and the DA’s office would ultimately make a final determination. If the person succeeds in the treatment program, their charges could be dropped or their sentence could be lowered. The victim in the alleged crime would weigh in. Marc Tohme works as the Chief of District Courts in the DA’s office. Tohme told us victims in the alleged crimes would weigh in on the decision to allow someone into the program. “Extensively to make sure they are involved, their input is taken into account, they understand what is happening,” said Tohme.
We talked to one man who has been living on the streets for three years. He says any opportunity to get help is the best opportunity. “Definitely, definitely helps them out. It gives them a shot,” said the man, “it takes at least 30 days, 30 days to change your mind make up to change everything”.
Sullivan attended the DA’s news conference and she says she supports the idea. “Sometimes it takes one time, sometimes it takes 10 tens times. At least they have a chance. Out here they have no chance,” said Sullivan.
The program launches on June 2nd. The DA says they will use $400,000 out of their drug seizure forfeitures to fund the program with the goal of getting the state to buy in later to extended it.
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