JUSTICE SERVICES

HOW TO QUALIFY

You may qualify for the Court diversion Program if you have been diagnosed or suspect you have a mental health concern, are 16 years of age or older, have been charged with a minor offense and agree to voluntarily participate in a diversion program.

Anyone can make a referral to the Court and Custody Outreach Service Programs.

All Court Diversion and Court Support Plans require approval from the Crown Attorney’s Office.

These services provide individualized and flexible mental health support on site in the Courts and at Correctional Centers in a safe, confidential atmosphere.

COURT DIVERSION PROGRAM

This program provides assistance for individuals with mental illness or symptoms of mental illness that are in conflict with the law.

A diversion plan is facilitated as a suitable alternative within the criminal justice system. We work collaboratively with community partners including Court Officials, Police, Crown Attorney, Legal Counsel, Mental Health Agencies, Social Services and other community agencies to provide linkages for treatment and support where required, in order to minimize the possibility of further involvement in court. We will also ensure appropriate mental health supports and follow-up as needed.

COURT SUPPORT PROGRAM

This program allows staff to provide advocacy and support for clients not accepted for diversion in the criminal justice system, by working collaboratively with them and their community partners.

INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT

Intensive case management provides support services to people with mental illness who are also in conflict with the law for up to 1 year. We ensure appropriate linkages with other mental health services as well as criminal justice, corrections, social services, in order to improve service coordination and support. We provide assistance with accessing and maintenance of psychiatric services, systemic advocacy and coordination, and to provide support to people to manage crises.

RELEASE FROM CUSTODY

The program objective is to partner with community agencies in planning and providing short term case management services immediately following discharge from jail to prevent re-hospitalization and repeat offending. It includes a provision of individualized assessment and support plan, systematic advocacy and coordination of services, and connection with local long-term mental health supports.