Bill > S1238

This bill aims to establish a network of peer-run respite centers throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. The Department of Mental Health will establish a minimum of 14 peer-run respite centers, with at least one in each county, to provide voluntary, short-term, trauma-informed, and person-centered support and prevention services in a home-like environment to individuals 18 and older experiencing emotional or mental distress. 2. Two of the peer-run respite centers will be specifically designated to serve LGBTQIA+ individuals and will be managed, operated, and controlled by LGBTQIA+ individuals with psychiatric histories or related lived experience. 3. All peer-run respite centers must employ peer supporters who have psychiatric histories or have faced similarly life-interrupting challenges and must provide them with appropriate training. 4. The Department will provide sufficient funding to the peer-run organizations operating the respite centers to ensure they can effectively recruit, train, and retain qualified peer supporters, as well as provide the required peer respite and support services. 5. The Department will work with existing peer-run organizations to develop training requirements and a fidelity tool to establish and measure adherence to the core components of the peer respite model. 6. The Department will prepare an annual report on the progress of implementing the peer-run respite centers, including any challenges or barriers and strategies for overcoming them.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S1238