Mental Health Court Diversion and Court Support Programs

Court Diversion Program:

CMHA-Peterborough's Court Diversion Program works in cooperation with the Crown Attorney’s office and the local court system.  Diversion is a pre-trial procedure in which Crown Attorneys, in consultation with Mental Health Court Diversion Program staff, will refer the accused to a mental health service in the community as opposed to prosecuting.  Diversion is for people who:

• Are not likely to re-offend if they have appropriate supports and treatment;
• Agree to participate in mental health diversion, and;
• Do not pose a risk to the community.

It allows persons accused of minor criminal offences to be directed away from the criminal justice system.  In its place, the person agrees to embark upon an individual support/ treatment program in the community, designed to address their needs.  The goal is to minimize future involvement with the criminal justice system.  With diversion, there is no trial and no conviction.  The Court Diversion Program is voluntary and focuses upon serving people who have a serious mental illness.  The program staff also provides specialized services and expertise for people who have both a mental health and addiction issue and/or both a mental health issue and an intellectual disability.

Court Support Program:

CMHA-Peterborough’s Court Support Program services are available for people who are charged with a criminal offence that is not eligible for Court Diversion, (for example the offence is not considered a minor one). These services can include the following:

• Ongoing support to the client, and their family, throughout the court process;
• Consultation on court matters and mental health issues to community agencies and court staff;
• Assistance to clients in accessing Legal Aid;
• Referrals of clients to community agencies;
• Follow-up case management services as required.

Release from Custody:

This program is a partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Kawartha Lakes where short-term support, case management and service linkage is provided for inmates who are being discharged from Central East Correctional Centre. The purpose is to assist them in reintegrating into their home communities and to reducing recidivism. 

Contacting Court Diversion and Court Support Workers:

Program staff are available at the provincial court house in Peterborough when the court is sitting or can be reached at the CMHA-Peterborough main office at 748-6711.

Updated:  August 22, 2008 

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