CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services - Regional Centre - Woodstock - Court Support, Court Diversion and Community Treatment Court

Provides support to clients with a mental health issue (serious mental illness, developmental disability and/or acquired brain injury) who come into contact with the criminal justice system * staff assess, assist and advocate for Mental Health Diversion, develop care plans and provide consultation and support throughout the court process

Mental Health Court Diversion - for people living with a serious mental illness, brain injury or a developmental disability * may access alternatives to criminal prosecution * works with Crown Attorney to determine if mental health diversion is appropriate or if individual should be prosecuted for charge(s)  * Court Support Worker develops treatment plan to divert the individual out of the criminal justice system and back into the mental health system * supports are available to reduce the possibility of recidivism

Community Treatment Court (CTC) - specialized court with emphasis on treatment and recovery * individuals must be willing to plead guilty to existing charges * holds individual accountable for actions while providing effective treatment and/or support * emphasis on providing people suffering from mental illness with a venue to address the issues that brought them into conflict with the law * protects rights of the public and the accused while maintaining integrity of the criminal justice system