Youth Mental Health Justice Program

Aug 18, 2016

The Youth Mental Health Justice Program supports youth aged from 12-17 diagnosed with a mental illness or exhibit mental illness symptoms, concurrent disorder or dual diagnosis who are in conflict with the law.

Youth Court Support: The Youth Mental Health Court worker attends youth court every Thursday morning and is available to provide support and assistance in navigating the system.

Youth Mental Health Court Diversion: Provides youth with actions necessary to fulfill as a means of accepting responsibility and ownership for their offense. When a youth mental health diversion is successfully completed the Youth Mental Health Court worker will make a recommendation to the crown for the youth’s charges to be withdrawn.

Bail Release Planning: Youth Mental Health Court Worker is available in bail court as needed. The worker will meet upon request from the Crown Attorney, Defense and or Duty Counsel. Services offered in bail court include fitness to stand trial screenings and bail release planning. Bail release planning consists of advocacy, interviewing family members and linking the youth to appropriate services in the community.