Authority, Vision and Mission

(1) The Department is the mental health authority in Massachusetts. It is mandated by M.G.L. c. 19 to take cognizance of all matters affecting the mental health of the citizens of the state. Its primary mission is to provide for early and ongoing treatment and services to adults with serious and persistent mental illness and children with serious mental illness or severe emotional disturbance and their families, and research into the causes of mental illness. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 19 and c. 123, it is authorized and required to: (a) develop and maintain a comprehensive program of community mental health services, including forensic mental health services; (b) operate, control and supervise, directly or by contract, all facilities and programs developed and maintained by the Department as part of the comprehensive program; (c) maintain state hospitals and other regional and statewide mental health facilities and services; and (d) license or regulate private, county and municipal facilities and programs providing care and treatment to persons with mental illness. (2) Vision and Mission Statements. The Department shall, in consultation with stakeholders, establish and periodically review its Vision and Mission Statements. The Vision and Mission Statements shall guide the Department as it carries out its statutory responsibilities.