What is the BH-JI Program?

Open Sky's Behavioral Health Supports for Justice Involved Individuals (BH-JI) program is a MassHealth-funded initiative that aims to provide direct support to individuals that are currently in prison or jail, or on probation or parole who also have mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or co-occurring illnesses. The BH-JI Program works in partnership with the justice system and is a voluntary program.

How can the BH-JI program help?

Our team will meet with the individual to develop a support plan that is based upon the individual’s needs and focuses on recovery, wellness, and independent living. The goal of our team is to empower the individual and provide the supports needed during and after re-entry so that the individual can live safely and effectively in the community without future justice involvement. More specifically, the North Star team offer the following supports:

• Applying for Benefits
• Connecting with Community Supports
• Accessing Substance Use Treatment
• Transportation to Meetings/Appointments
• Obtaining Government ID
• Help Transitioning Back to Community
• Building Social Support Network
• Obtaining Medical, Psychiatric, & Mental Health Providers
• Navigating available housing options and systems
• Coordinating with Healthcare Providers, Managed Care Plans, Correctional Services, Probation, Parole, & More

Who is Eligible?

The Individual must have or be eligible for MassHealth, & meet the following conditions:

1. Justice involved = Involved with probation, parole, incarcerated with release date within 60 days of enrollment, or have an open case.
2. Diagnosis of substance use, mental health, or co-occurring disorders.
3. High risk for admission to an inpatient hospital or other 24/7 treatment facility (e.g. residential rehab or detox)
4. High risk for recidivism
5. Live in or plan to live in Worcester County.