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, at contact us
Click here to download our Court Diversion & Support Fact Sheet


