FORT FRANCES—After months of researching, organizing, and planning, Ashlee Grimard of the local Canadian Mental Health Association branch recently has begun to offer services through the Court Support Program.
“It’s designed to provide service to people with mental health needs who are in contact with the criminal justice system,” she explained.
However, Grimard said the funding they received for the program is more encompassing than who the local CMHA works with.
“There is a broader eligibility,” she remarked, noting for this program, mental health needs can include a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder, an acquired brain injury, a developmental disorder, dual diagnosis (mental illness and co-occurring developmental disability), and a concurrent disorder (mental illness and a substance use issue).
“There are lots of people in the area who could use this service,”
Grimard added. “It’s available for anyone who is 18 years or older with mental health needs who has been charged with a criminal offence.”
As a court support worker, Grimard is able to become involved in the criminal court proceedings at any point and anyone can make referrals to the program—even self-referrals are accepted.
The following service goals are set for the Court Support Program:
•improved mental health functioning/outcomes for clients;
•increased access to appropriate community based services;
•reduced pressures on criminal justice system; and
•reduced recidivism and decreased hospitalization.
“One way I can help is by hooking the individual up with legal aid,” Grimard explained. “And I can help by providing education and support to the client and family regarding the legal system and what’s going to happen next.”
She also said if the charge is a minor offence, she can assist by drafting up a plan to proceed with diversion, which would be presented to the Crown attorney.
The individual would be referred to appropriate community services, treatment, and support to reduce the chances of re-offending.
Other services of the Court Support Program include offering links to community support services, housing, and income supports; facilitation of alternatives to prosecution; facilitation of bail release; and providing information on mental health issues and community services to the criminal justice system.
Grimard stressed the program also offers post-conviction support to make sure the individuals’ mental health needs are taken into account.
This means the court support worker can offer sentencing recommendations to ensure linkage to services and/or relevant treatment options while in custody, as well as in-custody support and/or rehabilitation services.
“There is also a discharge planning component to make sure the individual has access to housing, income supports, doctors, etc. upon release,” she added.
“It helps by focusing on reintegrating the individual back into society.”
Grimard said Court Support Programs have taken on a lot of speed in Ontario, with many communities developing services such as these.
“It’s nice because we were able to fit the program to the needs in our community and the resources we have,” she noted, adding the program in Kenora, for instance, likely looks different than the one here.
She also said it is important for her to work with the various community officers, such as service providers, lawyers, and probation officers, regarding the Court Support Program.
“It takes a group effort for this program to work and I’m happy we’re able to offer these services,” she remarked.
Since beginning the program a few months ago, Grimard said she already has helped several clients and stressed there is a need in the district for these services.
If you, or someone you know, might benefit from the Court Support Program, or if you’d like more information, contact Grimard at 274-2347.
(Fort Frances Times)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
