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Justice Programs
Court Support and Diversion
Court Diversion is a voluntary pre-trial procedure that may allow persons accused of minor criminal offences to be directed away from the criminal justice system. Services include consultation, support and education to accused persons and their families, service providers and to justice system personnel; referrals to other community resources and coordination of support; and a range of recovery-focused case management services.
Eligibility:
- Individuals, 16 years of age and older, residents of Simcoe County, with a mental health problem who become involved with the criminal justice system.
- Young individuals, 12 to 17 years of age, who have become involved with the criminal justice system and are attending Court in Barrie, Orillia, Midland and Collingwood.
- How to Apply: Operating hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Referrals can be made by anyone, including self-referrals. For further information about the program or to make a referral, please contact our Barrie Court office at (705) 739-6577.
Release from Custody
Release planning for individuals in custody who are inmates at Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC) Penetanguishene, to promote successful community reintegration.
Direct, in-person support for individuals out of custody residing in North Simcoe Muskoka who may be at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system.
Eligibility:
- Release from Custody services are voluntary
- Eligible individuals and court support who are 16 years of age or older and have a mental illness/mental disorder (e.g. psychiatric illness, intellectual disability, acquired brain injury, FASD, etc.)
- Inmates with mental illness or disorders at CNCC who need assistance preparing for release to the community
- Persons out of custody residing in North Simcoe Muskoka who may be at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system
How to Apply: Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Anyone can make a referral including self-referral. To make a referral or learn more about the program call (705) 733-2113.
Transitional Rehabilitation Housing Program (TRHP)
This Transitional Rehabilitation Housing Program (TRHP) program supports adults from the Waypoint Center for Mental Health Care Regional Forensics Unit, who currently have an Order under Ontario Review Board. The program is dedicated to supporting these individuals to safely re-integrate into the community. Shelter Now, Waypoint, CMHA and Peer Support staff work collaboratively in this joint program.
Referrals to the TRHP program can only be made by the Director of Waypoint Center for Mental Health Care, Regional Forensics Unit. For more information, call (705) 528-1206.
Forensic Supportive Housing Program (FSHP)
The target population for this program consists of forensic patients graduating from Transitional Rehabilitation Housing Programs (TRHP) that require the additional support provided by the FSHP.
To be eligible, clients must be under an Ontario Review Board (ORB) disposition that allows for community placement at the discretion of the hospital in charge.
TRHP graduates are a priority for this program. Forensic patients moving directly from forensic inpatient status to community living need a level of support that is more intense than the usual supportive housing but do not need TRHP. For more information, call (705) 528-1206.
Adult Pre-Charge Diversion Program
The Adult Mental Health Pre-Charge Diversion program is a community justice initiative designed to work with adults who are in conflict with the law and have committed a minor offence. The program allows an Individual to demonstrate accountability through the completion of community-based sanctions. These sanctions are designed to repair the harm that has been created and to prevent future recidivism.
The Pre-Charge Diversion program encourages clients to demonstrate accountability for their actions and make amends through appropriate reparations. To connect individuals to community support. To keep individuals out of the formal court process, thus preventing a criminal record.
After determining the participant is eligible for the program, the investigating Officer will complete the referral form.
The Investigating Officer will then send the Referral form and the Occurrence Report to CMHA SCB.
Crisis Call Diversion Program
In partnership with Orillia OPP.
This service is utilized within the Provincial Communications Centre with Orillia OPP and is not accessible to the community.
The CCD unit provides support and intervention regarding mental health and/or addiction calls coming through 911.