The Alternative Lock-up program provides triage services for children under 17 years of age throughout Western Massachusetts who have been arrested. They are placed in safe and secure overnight or weekend facilities until their arraignments or court dates.
The children are referred to CHD by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), which also funds this program.
There are two levels to this program:
ALP I: This level places youth who are under arrest for nonviolent crimes and offers a wide range of care, from foster care to residential secure facilities.
ALP II: This level places youth who are under arrest for violent crimes. They are kept in a safe and secure environment until their court dates.