Press Release: 3/19/2026

Massachusetts Department of Correction Announces Systemwide Suicide Prevention and Safety Actions Following Independent Review

DOC Implementation Plan Builds on Actions Already Taken, Including the Development of an Overnight Wellness Helpline and an Enhanced K2 Mitigation Strategy



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



3/18/2026



MEDIA CONTACT



Scott J. Croteau, Director of Media Relations



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Call Scott J. Croteau, Director of Media Relations at 781-400-3849



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Email Scott J. Croteau, Director of Media Relations at Scott.J.Croteau@mass.gov



MILFORD — The Massachusetts Department of Correction today announced a comprehensive set of actions it will take to strengthen suicide prevention, clinical coordination, and safety operations across the correctional system. These actions are a response to the recommendations of Dr. Sharen Barboza, who conducted an independent review commissioned by the Department of six in-custody deaths by suicide in 2025, and build on safety measure changes already underway across the Department.  



The Department is implementing several recommendations immediately and continuing to evaluate others as part of a systemwide effort to improve risk identification and strengthen continuity of care. Recent initiatives include the launch of an overnight mental health wellness helpline and a multi-pronged strategy to combat the prevalence of K2 and other dangerous contraband that pose mental health risks in correctional settings nationwide.  



“We are grateful to Dr. Barboza for her independent analysis and actionable recommendations that will assist our Department with improving suicide prevention efforts and enhancing clinical practices,” said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “We house a population of over 6,000 individuals with a wide array of complex needs that require constant vigilance, strong clinical practices and evidence-based operational expectations. We will use this work to sharpen our standards and improve how we identify and respond to risk. I appreciate the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff who do this difficult work every day and we remain committed to continuous improvement in support of our inter-disciplinary teams and those entrusted to our care.”  



Dr. Barboza’s review examined risk commonalities, policies, and operational practices to identify opportunities to strengthen prevention and continuity of care. The assessment identified several patterns consistent with known risk factors common in correctional settings, including timing, housing considerations, histories of violent offenses and lengthy sentences, recent disciplinary issues, and co-occurring behavioral health needs such as substance use and prior mental health concerns.  



The report also highlighted operational and clinical “transition points” where risk can increase, particularly around changes in housing status and higher levels of observation, and the report underscores the importance of consistent, comprehensive risk assessment and continuity of clinical engagement.  



Dr. Barboza’s report discusses the transition of individuals into the Behavior Adjustment Unit (BAU) and recommendations regarding transfer practices and clarification of criteria. The DOC introduced the BAU upon the elimination of restrictive housing. The BAU is used for the assessment of incarcerated and civilly committed individuals who pose an unacceptable risk to the security, safety and orderly operations of the correctional institution, have a possible personal safety need that needs to be investigated, or who pose a threat to others and require separation from the general population. The goal of the BAU is to assess an individual’s needs and determine if a structured invention is needed.  



DOC’s actions outlined below reflect steps that are being implemented now, along with initiatives currently under development in collaboration with DOC’s contracted healthcare provider VitalCore and additional recommendations that remain under review:  












































Independent Review Recommendation DOC Action and Committed Steps
Strengthen Behavior Adjustment Unit (BAU) transfer practices and clarify criteria and process 

The DOC will: 




  • Add plain-language education about BAU to personal tablets for incarcerated individuals so individuals understand what the BAU is, what to expect, and how to request help.

  • Provide additional training for VitalCore staff to strengthen thorough risk assessment connected to BAU placement.

  • Increase collaboration among clinical teams to support consistent application of BAU placement criteria and clearer communication during transfers. 
Policy Review for 103 DOC 427 (BAU): Clarify the definition of “unacceptable risk” and who makes that determination; train staff to ensure BAU use aligns with intended purpose

The DOC will:




  • Clarify the definition of “unacceptable risk” to support consistent interpretation and application.

  • Conduct the recommended training to ensure staff understanding.

  • Expand BAU training to administrators and shift commanders (in addition to BAU personnel). 

Policy Review: 103 DOC 650.12 (Mental Health Services): Require more comprehensive assessment during BAU transitions (beyond point-in-time), including review of MH history and continuity of care. 

The DOC will:




  • Require comprehensive risk assessment for all individuals transitioned into the BAU, beyond point-in-time evaluations.

  • Reinforce expectations for reviewing mental health history and continuity of care during housing transitions.

  • Work with the contracted healthcare provider to ensure all clinical staff are aware of this requirement.

  • Continue monitoring of individuals with open mental health cases, per their plan, regardless of housing placement.

  • Explore tablet-based information sharing so providers can review medical/mental health needs across clinical teams.
Continuity of care: Improve continuity and make treatment team assignments readily visible in the health record

The DOC will:




  • Work with VitalCore to ensure each person’s healthcare record clearly lists their assigned care team, including their primary care clinician (PCC) and other key providers, when applicable.

  • Seek to establish a primary care clinician check-in within 24 hours of BAU placement to support continuity of care.

  • Evaluate the addition of regular follow-up contacts for individuals housed in the BAU longer than the average 72-hour length of stay.

  • Explore a tablet-based system that enables care providers to review and readily access an individual’s medical, mental health, and other needs to support clinical decision-making and continuity.
Length/quality of clinical contacts and documentation expectations

The DOC will: 




  • Set minimum expectations for clinical contact length and document when adequate contacts cannot be completed.

  • Evaluate the use of tablets or laptops to improve clinicians’ real-time access to incarcerated individuals’ healthcare records at the time of clinical contact. 
Strengthen administrative reporting and internal review process

The DOC will: 




  • Review the recommendation regarding clarifying the required content and format of confidential administrative summary reports to support more consistent documentation.

  • Improve consistency and completeness of internal incident reviews and use findings to drive continuous improvement. 
Improve clinical documentation 

The DOC will: 




  • Reinforce documentation expectations so clinical notes better support safety, continuity of treatment, and decision-making.

  • Recommend each institution conduct weekly BAU Care Coordination meetings with necessary teams in attendance.
Adopt advanced clinical training 

The DOC will:




  • Enhance advanced training for clinical staff on: comprehensive suicide risk assessment, collaborative safety planning, and clinical documentation standards.  









Independent Review Recommendation DOC Action and Committed Steps


These actions build on systemwide initiatives already implemented to improve safety and crisis response.  



DOC recently launched an after-hours mental health wellness helpline to provide real-time support during overnight hours, when staffing patterns and operational realities can differ from daytime operations. The helpline is staffed by trained professionals who can provide immediate assistance and escalate urgent concerns through established clinical and security pathways. 



In addition, DOC has significantly enhanced interdiction and prevention strategies to combat K2 and other contraband through coordinated enforcement, strengthened screening and detection, improved mail and perimeter controls, staff training, and partnership-based intelligence efforts. These measures reflect DOC’s commitment to reducing drivers of instability and health risk that affect correctional systems nationwide. 



Each in-custody death is subject to an investigation by the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the appropriate District Attorney’s Office, in coordination with DOC. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determines cause and manner of death. DOC reports all in-custody deaths to the U.S. Department of Justice within 24 hours. 



DOC continues to expand resources for staff wellbeing, including peer support and employee assistance services, recognizing the impact that critical incidents have on correction officers and employees who respond in emergencies.  



The Department also encourages families and loved ones to promptly contact facilities if they have concerns about an incarcerated individual’s wellbeing and to request immediate follow-up through appropriate channels.