Court Diversion & Support Program

Target Population
Adults who appear to have mental health needs who have been charged with a criminal offence, and  who would benefit from community or hospital-based mental health services as a possible alternative to incarceration.

Adults with mental health needs who have been convicted of a criminal offence, and who would benefit from community or hospital-based mental health services as an alternative to incarceration or upon discharge.

Mental health needs include: Mental Illness, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Acquired Brain Injury, Developmental Disability, Dual Diagnosis, and Concurrent Disorders.

Services Offered
Diversion
Diversion occurs where the Crown believes mental illness is the underlying cause of alleged criminal conduct: the Crown may stay the charge(s) after the accused embarks upon a community treatment plan which addresses treatment needs and reduces the likelihood of recidivism.

Court Support Services
Based on client need, court support services may include:
·    Assistance accessing duty counsel, legal aid, and/or retaining counsel
·    Facilitation of bail release
·    Case management and linkages to community support services, housing, psychiatric and income supports
·    Individualized recommendations to the court upon sentencing

Post-Conviction Services
There are several points during post-conviction phase where Post-Conviction Services can be accessed, including:
·    Between disposition and sentencing
·    While individual is in custody
·    Community supervision case management
·    Release planning
·    Conditional release and unconditional release.

Referrals
Individuals may be referred to the Court Diversion & Support Program by various sources including the Court, Crown Attorney, Defence/Duty Counsel, Probation Officer, community service providers, family members, as well as self referrals.

Referrals can be made any time during an individual’s legal process by contacting CMHA Court Diversion & Support Worker, so feel free to Contact Us.

Additional Information

Schizophrenia Society of Ontario: Justice and Mental Health Program (JAMH) – Support for families
http://www.schizophrenia.on.ca/

Connex Ontario Health Services Information
http://www.connexontario.ca/

CMHA Ontario – Mental Health and Justice webpage:
http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/justice.asp

Ontario Review Board
http://www.orb.on.ca/scripts/en/

Ontario Court of Justice
http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/ocj/en/

Criminal Code
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/C-46/index.html

Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee provincial webpage
http://www.hsjcc.on.ca/