Why the Post-Response Model Matters
Post-response support bridges the gap between a police or crisis encounter and longer-term community services. Through relationship-based outreach, the Blackstone Valley Connector helps individuals and families overcome barriers, navigate complex systems, and move toward stability and recovery.
By meeting people where they are and providing support based on their needs and readiness for change, the program increases engagement, strengthens connections to care, and helps prevent repeated crisis-system involvement.
At a Glance
- 217 referrals received in 2025
- 81% of referred individuals successfully contacted
- 89% of those contacted accepted services and support
- Eight police partnerships across the Blackstone Valley
- Individualized short- and moderate-term support
- Connections to behavioral health, recovery, housing, benefits, and family services
Community Impact
- Connects individuals and families to community-based services
- Provides recovery-focused outreach following police contact
- Supports people experiencing behavioral health, substance use, housing, and social-service challenges
- Improves access to ongoing care through coordination and warm handoffs
System Impact
- Reduces repeated crisis-system and emergency-service involvement
- Supports jail diversion and community-based stabilization
- Helps prevent unnecessary detention or overly intensive levels of care
- Strengthens coordination among police, behavioral health, and community providers
Police Partner Impact
- Provides continued outreach after a police or co-response encounter
- Connects referred individuals with appropriate services and supports
- Reduces pressure on officers to manage complex needs beyond the initial response
- Strengthens collaboration between law enforcement and human-service providers
