Mental Health Court marks five years in operation
Posted Nov 5, 2014 12:32:29 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Just as the Nova Scotia Mental Health Court prepares to heard into its fifth year, they said their program to help offenders with mental illnesses is a system that’s working.
“[It’s] produced great results for persons with mental health difficulties who find themselves in conflict with the criminal justice system,” said Chief Judge Pamela Williams.
She said the program holds people accountable for their crimes while offering recovery and restoration.
“It is a prime example of how collaboration, cooperation and creativity have led to and produced great results,” she said.
Since starting up in 2009, nearly 687 people have been referred to the program, about one-third of them ended up being eligible to participate, and 199 have successfully completed it, instead of facing potential jail time.
According to the 20-page report released today, the participants faced criminal charges ranging from theft and mischief to assaults and threats.
Today, the court celebrated five years in operation.
