Brooke Doyle
Commissioner
Program for Assertive
Community Treatment for Youth
(PACT-Y)
April 2024
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF
MENTAL HEALTH
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I. Introduction
Line Item 5042-5000 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, requires the Department of Mental
Health (DMH), to submit a report regarding the Program of Assertive Community Treatment for Youth (PACT-Y) to the
house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the: (I) funds distributed through the program, delineated by
recipient; (II) number of new programs created with said funds, delineated by recipient, location, number of individuals
served and ages of individuals served; and (III) projected need for the creation of new programs in the next fiscal year.
PACT-Y is a comprehensive service for individuals under the age of 22 with serious emotional disturbance for whom
traditional office and/or community-based services and interventions have not been helpful. It is an intensive and
coordinated service that is provided by one integrated, multi-disciplinary, community-based team. The service is designed
specifically for Youth with the most challenging and persistent mental and behavioral health needs who are able to live in
the community with these supports.
Currently, there are seven contracted PACT-Y teams across the state. Five of the contracts started in December 2022 with
two others starting at later dates: one in April 2023 and another in October 2023. Due to the current workforce shortage
crisis, start-up has been very gradual and therefore enrollments in the programs are still ramping up. Because this was
anticipated, contracts began as cost reimbursement in order to support a successful implementation. As program
enrollments hit full capacity (20 slots for each contract) and remain stable, the contracts will move to the daily unit rate
developed under the rate regulation (101 CMR 430).
PACT-Y is modeled after an evidence based adult service (Program for Assertive Community Treatment or PACT) and,
along with one other state, New York, this is first time that the model is being used for youth. Because of this, there is
much to learn about the best match of youth referred and typical length of stay. Without this information, it is premature
to predict the need for additional teams.
Early indications show success with youth discharged resulting in positive outcomes 90% of the time. And positive
feedback from families:
“I’m blown away. I’ve been asking for services like this for years and it’s been really positive so far.”
“We are very grateful and I'm actually feeling a little hopeful.”
At present, PACT-Y receives funding from both state appropriation and one-time ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act)
allocations. For the upcoming year, the projection includes $4.5 million from state line item 5042-5000, with $1.7 million
remaining in ARPA earmarked funding ().
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 I. Funds Distributed through the Program - reporting period December 1, 2022
– November 30, 2023
DMH PACT-Y Programs
DMH Area PACT-Y Provider Total Expenditure
Contract Started December 2022
Western MA Clinical and Support Options (CSO) $580,768
Central MA Metrowest Wayside Youth and Family $972,443
Northeast Wayside Youth and Family $1,028,421
Southeast Community Counseling of Bristol County (CCBC) $600,864
Metro Boston Home for Little Wanderers (HLW) $710,373
Contract Started April 2023
Central MA Greater Worcester Wayside Youth and Family $475,736
Contract Started October 2023
Western MA – Berkshires Clinical and Support Options (CSO) $36,603
Total $4,405,207
II. Individuals Served – reporting period December 1, 2022 – November 30, 2023
DMH PACT-Y Programs
DMH Area PACT-Y Provider Month Slot Individuals
Enrollments Capacity Served
Started when
fully
staffed
Contract Started December 2022
Western MA Clinical and Support Options (CSO) February 2023 20 15
Central MA Metrowest Wayside Youth and Family March 2023 20 12
Northeast Wayside Youth and Family June 2023 20 11
Southeast Community Counseling of Bristol County May 2023 20 11
(CCBC)
Metro Boston Home for Little Wanderers (HLW) April 2023 20 10
Contract Started April 2023
Central MA Greater Wayside Youth and Family September 20 5
Worcester 2023
Contract Started October 2023
Western MA – Clinical and Support Options (CSO) February 2024 20 0
Berkshires
Total 140 64
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III. Ages of Individuals Served – reporting period December 1, 2022 – November
30, 2023
DMH PACT-Y Youth Served - Ages
Age Group # Youth Served
10-14 15
15-17 33
18-21 16
Total 64
IV. Program Utilization Trends
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