Massachusetts Governor Orders Review of Shelter Security

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has faced criticism after revealing that her administration has not been conducting full criminal background checks, specifically CORI checks, on residents of emergency shelters, despite earlier assurances that all individuals were being vetted. This admission follows serious incidents involving shelter residents, including a drug bust and an alleged rape, raising concerns about safety and oversight in the state's shelter system. In response to the backlash, Healey announced a commitment to strengthen intake procedures and has ordered that background checks be implemented across all shelter sites. Republican Minority Leader Brad Jones condemned the situation as a 'serious betrayal of the public's trust' and called for immediate reforms. Healey has hired an independent reviewer to assess the shelter system and provide recommendations within 30 days, acknowledging the need for improved management and security. The governor's recent comments have sparked a broader debate about the original intent of the state's right-to-shelter law and the challenges facing the emergency shelter system.