99 Chauncy Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: 617-357-0700, x 504 or 800-717-4133, x504 - Fax: 617-357-0777
Web site: www.MLRI.org
Contact:
Voice-mail box, leave message.
Services:
The Mass Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is a support center for federal- and state-funded civil legal services (“legal aid”) programs around the state.
MLRI, educates people about criminal records and their civil consequences, as reflected in the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) laws and practices by producing written materials and giving trainings for people with CORI and people assisting "CORI subjects" in getting jobs and housing.
The Project produces the CORI Reader, a report which gives a plain-english explanation of the CORI laws and relevant agency practices, and includes an appendix of useful forms and lists.
To order a copy, call the number above and leave a message requesting a copy of the Reader and include an address.
An online copy is accessible by going to the MLRI web site, under "MLRI Units", "CORI Project", and then on the link for CORI Reader.
The CORI Project also writes and maintains a web site:
www.masslegalhelp.org/cori. This is a comprehensive, up-to-date site which has specific, easy-to-understand information on how CORI relates to finding housing and employment, who has the right to see your CORI, how to seal your record, and how to correct mistakes on your CORI. It has a "Crime Glossary", which lists definitions of terms, plus a link to the Criminal History System Board's list of CORI Codes, which define the terms.
Individuals with CORI's can get information and referrals about CORI issues by calling the Legal Advocacy and Resource Center/(LARK) hotline at: 617-603-1700 or 1-800-342-5297.
MLRI also assists people who have been turned down for jobs or housing because of a background check report that was issued by a private company. These background check reports are also called 'Consumer Reports'.
Service hours:
M - F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, messages may be left at ext. 504 any time.
Requirements / Restrictions:
If you are an undocumented immigrant, or are currently incarcerated, you may contact the CORI Project for help with your CORI. All others should contact the Legal Advocacy and Resource Center (LARC).
Cost:
None. MLRI, as a Legal Services program, may not charge or accept reimbursement.
Transportation:
Walk-ins are not encouraged. Persons requesting The CORI Reader should call or send a letter to the CORI Project at the address above.