In this Issue:

1- Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan retires

2- First Deputy Commissioner Dianne Fasano is named Acting Commissioner

3- MPS Budget- A First Look

4- Ralph Gants Program is underway

5- MPS Updates/Business Briefs

6- April: Victim Rights and Sexual Assault Awareness Month

7- MPS Accomplishments and Recognitions

8- UPCOMING



Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan retires after

Ten years at the helm and agency transformation

Commissioner Edward Dolan addresses audience at Statehouse ceremony as Governor Maura Healey looks on.

Edward Dolan, Commissioner of Probation for the past decade, recently announced his retirement, effective today, Friday, April 28th. Commissioner Dolan will be leaving a great legacy of community collaboration, innovation, leadership, and the transformation of the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) to an agency that has been recognized as having one of the lowest recidivism and incarceration rates in the nation.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of the Massachusetts Probation Service these past 10 years. It is an honor to have worked alongside such dedicated, hard working and skilled colleagues in so important an enterprise. Thank you all for your many kindnesses and generous support,” said Commissioner Dolan.

Mr. Dolan was appointed commissioner in 2013, following a role as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. Commissioner Dolan is being recognized for helping to turn the Probation Service into one that is considered to be more rehabilitative than punitive.

During his tenure, he introduced a pre-trial services division which oversees the development of text messaging reminders for appointments; centralized warrant management; implemented validated risk-need assessments; and introduced housing capacity to strengthen re-entry efforts. Mr. Dolan is also credited for leading an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and establishing a new state-of-the-art training and operations center.

**Read Commissioner Dolan's Good-Bye Letter to MPS: https://conta.cc/3LxyvvK

Dianne Fasano is named Acting Commissioner of Probation

Interim Acting Probation Commissioner Dianne Fasano

On Friday, April 14, Trial Court Chief Justice Jeffrey A. Locke and Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino announced their appointment of First Deputy Commissioner Dianne Fasano as the acting Commissioner of Probation on an interim basis. 

“Dianne Fasano has demonstrated leadership and dedication throughout her Probation career and has taken a guiding role in the management of Probation in the last decade. We appreciate her willingness to assume the responsibility of Acting Commissioner for the next several months,” Chief Justice Locke and Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino stated in an announcement released last week.

Acting Commissioner Fasano first joined the Massachusetts Probation Service as an Ayer District Court Probation Officer in 1994, later becoming the Leominster District Court Assistant Chief Probation Officer in 2000. Four years later, she was appointed Chief Probation Officer at the court. In 2006, she was named Regional Supervisor; Deputy Commissioner for Field Services in 2013; and First Deputy Commissioner in 2018. Ms. Fasano earned a bachelor of science degree and master of arts degree from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell in criminal justice.

MPS’ Fiscal Year 2024 Budget: A First Look

Governor Maureen Healey released her first budget in which the Massachusetts Probation Service was allocated $181.7 million. 

“The Governor’s proposed amount is an encouraging initial recommendation. It’s a tribute to the work we do and I give full credit to everyone in the field,” said Commissioner Edward Dolan. “As the budget process continues this spring, MPS and the Trial Court look forward to educating the House and Senate on pressing needs and priorities.”

Mr. Dolan added, “The Senate is expected to release its Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget proposal in short order as the budget process to final negotiations in the Joint Ways and Means Committee in anticipation of passage prior to July 1, 2023.”

Earlier this month, Massachusetts Court leaders testified before the joint Committee on Ways & Means for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget where they testified on the Judiciary’s budget needs, requesting a maintenance budget of $868.7 million as well as an additional $7.6 million for access to justice initiatives.Court Administrator Tom Ambrosino also acknowledged Commissioner Edward Dolan’s upcoming retirement and thanked him as a “groundbreaking leader who restored public faith in the department and introduced major initiatives that reflect his success in building the capacity and capability of the organization.”

Here is the link to the Governor’s FY 2024 budget for probation:Here is the link to the Governor’s FY 2024 budget for probation: 

https://budget.digital.mass.gov/govbudget/fy24/appropriations/judiciary/trial-court/03391001



Ralph Gants Reentry Services Program is underway at Community Justice Support Centers 



Community Justice Support Center clients participate in session.

The Ralph Gants Reentry Services Program at the Community Justice Support Centers (CJSC) provides clients—returning from prison and jail—access to treatment, education, and employment services. During fiscal year 2023, approximately 178 clients benefitted from these services, according to Vincent Lorenti, Director of the Massachusetts Probation Service’s Office of Community Corrections which oversees the 17 statewide CJSC’s. The State Legislature funded the Gants Reentry initiative an additional $2 million in honor of the late SJC Justice Gants

Mr. Lorenti said the clients voluntarily visited the centers for support without a court mandate. The OCC, he said, is working with contract partners to add two additional new staff positions: Re-entry Services Coordinators. These new staff members will “dedicate their time to managing the emerging needs of those returning from jail and prison.”

The OCC is working with Department of Corrections Re-entry planners to inform inmates who are scheduled for release. Mr. Lorenti said his department is also planning to add another position, Public Benefits Coordinator. This employee will serve as a Certified Application Counselor for MassHealth and link with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) connect for SNAP benefits. Support Centers across the state have begun hiring staff and the other centers are actively recruiting for the positions of Re-Entry Services Coordinator and Public Benefits Coordinator.

MPS Probation Updates/Business Briefs

The Massachusetts Probation Service is busy this Spring with a number of activities-including a reminder for insurance open enrollment, an addendum to the MPS Communications Plan, and a call for volunteers to join MPS' Safety Committee. Click on each of the subjects to learn more. 

-2023 Open Enrollment reminder

-MPS Policy on Communicating as an MPS Representative & Authority

-Call for volunteers to join MPS’ Safety Committee

Business Briefs

A look at MPS’ technology, professional and training activities

Technology Now

MPS has several technology enhancements in store that may help you work with fewer technology challenges. Some of you may have already experienced phishing. The good news is that JISD is targeting phishing. Phishing is the practice of sending texts or emails that appear genuine; but, are really ways to trick users to click on links, downloads or attachments that introduce malware into the users’ computer. For computers attached to the Trial Court, the vulnerability and damage attaches to the court’s network. A group of representatives from Trial Court department is being formed to review and address phishing.

Training

MPS Executive Team participates in Coaching for Success Program and

Now program is available to all of MPS

The Massachusetts Probation Service’s Executive Team recently participated in Coaching for Success, a pilot session that was a second in a series of courses specifically designed for leadership, and development, according to Statewide Training Manager Patti Gavin. This program is now available to all employees of the Massachusetts Probation Service.

Ms. Gavin said the first course, “Turning Feedback Into Change,” was introduced in October, 2021 and to date, approximately 300 managers and supervisors have participated.



Pretrial Unit is certified to enroll clients in MassHealth

Left to right, are: Jameson Dorrine, Edward Colon, Shawnta Reid, Pamerson Ifill. Second row: Daniel Klein, Donna Wilson, Mahlet Kebede, and Natalie Lorenti. 

Employees of MPS’ Pretrial Unit recently earned certification to enroll clients in MassHealth. MPS and MassHealth partnered to bridge the health coverage gap for individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders and are on pre-trial or returning from prison. 

“The Pretrial staff are now certified CAC’s, trained and empowered to enroll individuals in the Commonwealth’s Medicare Program, MassHealth. This access complements the existing BH-JI enrollment program, with a focus on individuals who are in the community and in need of medical and/or behavioral health-care such as mental health and substance use treatment,” said Dianne Fasano, acting Commissioner of Probation.

The certified employees, who may now add the title Certified Application Counselor, include operations coordinators: Jameson Corrine, Donna Wilson, Shawnta Reid, and Daniel Klein as well as administrator Natalie Lorenti.

“An overarching goal of the MPS is also its commitment to ensuring that all justice-involved individuals have access to adequate healthcare resources and supports in order to better facilitate and promote healthy living outcomes,” said Deputy Commissioner of Pretrial Services Pamerson Ifill.



MPS’ Victim Services Unit launches supply drive and spreads messages of kindness in observance of Victim Services Rights & Sexual Awareness Month

From left to right: Erin Beech, Zoe Nardone, Lindsey Maxwell, Mary Nugent, Commissioner Ed Dolan, Corinn Nelson, Courtney Bacon, Mariemily Rodriguez, Abby Ford, and Tara Howard

April is Victim Services Rights & Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Massachusetts Probation Service’s Victim Service’s Unit had several projects planned—one that will provide support and comfort packs to victims and another effort which will help employees spread kindness.

The VSU staff have launched a drive to support Project PACK, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting survivors of sexual assault through Massachusetts with Post-Assault Comfort Kits (PACKS). These PACKS are provided to survivors and patients who report to a hospital or a Children’s Advocacy Center for treatment or evidence collection.  Collection boxes were set up at the following courts: Boston Municipal-Central, Brockton District, Fall River Superior, Juvenile, Lowell Probate & Family, MTOC, Plymouth District, Salem Superior, Springfield District, and Worcester Superior.





MPS Recognitions and Accomplishments

Victim Services Coordinator Erin Beech is recognized for 

20-years of service and advocacy

Erin Beech, a Victim Services Coordinator in the Victim Services Unit (VSU) of the Massachusetts Probation Service, will be honored by MOVA (Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance) for her 20 years of service in the field of victim advocacy.

“Erin Beech is a phenomenal advocate. She came to us last year from the Worcester District Attorney’s Office. Erin specialized in child abuse cases and she has touched the lives of so many families over her time as an advocate,” Ms. Nelson said.

UPCOMING

The Chelsea Recovery Court Graduation is Tuesday, May 2, at 11 am. The celebration will take place in the courthouse in the Fifth Session with reception to follow.

Cultural Appreciation Week 2023 planning kicks off with Cinco De Mayo Celebration on Friday, May 5. Cultural Proficiency Champions—also referred to as Champions—will meet on May 5th at the Massachusetts Training and Operations Center (MTOC) to begin planning for Cultural Appreciation Week 2023, October 16-20.

Women’s Recovery Court Session, “Empowering Women in Recovery,” Friday, May 12, 8:30 AM-Noon, at Malden and Cambridge District Court, 4040 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford. This event, which also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Women’s Recovery Court Session, is being hosted by the Malden District Court Probation Department.



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