Massachusetts General Law Chapter 123 Section 35 is a Massachusetts law that allows a qualified person (a spouse, blood relative, guardian, a police officer, physician, or court official) to request a court order requiring someone to be civilly committed and treated involuntarily for an alcohol or substance use disorder for up to 90 days. Involuntary commitment should be a last resort and should not be used as a tactic to get an individual into treatment. If an individual is ready to enter treatment voluntarily, there are many private and public programs that are available that can provide treatment. If an individual feels they are part of making the decision to enter treatment, they often will be more receptive to it. Outcomes are often better if an individual is motivated and willing to engage in treatment, in the least restrictive environment.
ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT COURTS
Gloucester District Court
Clerk’s Office: (978) 283-2620
Probation Department: (978) 283-1440
Newburyport District Court
Clerk’s Office: (978) 462-2652
Probation Department: (978) 465-8373
Ipswich District Court
Clerk’s Office: (978) 462-2652
Probation Department: (978) 465-8373
Lawrence District Court
Clerk’s Office: (978) 687-7184
TTY: (978) 685-2636
Lynn District Court
Clerk’s Office: (781) 598-5200
Probation Department: (781) 598-6400
TTY: (781) 581-2707
Peabody District Court
Clerk’s Office & Probation Department: (978) 532-3100
Salem District Court
Clerk’s Office: (978) 744-1167
Probation Department: (978) 744-2056