Mental Health and Justice Program

The Mental Health and Justice Program provides support and advocacy to individuals who have a mental illness and are involved in the criminal justice system. Court-based services (court support and diversion) are available at the Newmarket Provincial Court House and the Bradford West Gwillimbury Court House. There is a designated youth worker for youth court at the Newmarket Provincial Court House.

The program offers:

• Court support to the client and family throughout the court process and consultation for community agencies and court staff on court matters and mental health issues.
• Diversion - a pre-trial procedure, where Crown Attorneys in consultation with program staff, refer the accused to a community mental health service instead of proceeding with prosecution.
• Case Management services to assist with implementation of diversion plans. Case Managers provide service co-ordination, advocacy, and work in partnership with clients to identify areas of strength and determine areas of need.