Mental Health & Addictions Court Support

Mental Health & Addictions Court Support provides guidance and support to individuals living with mental health and/or addiction who are navigating the criminal justice system.   

Goals & Objectives:  

The goal is to complete the program with a comprehensive and holistic recovery plan in place and minimize any future interaction with the justice system.   

Is This Program for Me? 

• Must be 16 years of age or older with mental health and/or addictions concerns. 
• Must have current involvement with the criminal justice system. 
• Must be willing to enter the program and develop a recovery plan.  

What We Offer:  

• Court Navigation and Support 
• Court Diversion
  • Used to divert individuals from the regular criminal justice stream (minor criminal offences only) into the mental health system where they can get support and treatment designed to address their needs and minimize future involvement with the justice system. 
• Case Management and Collaboration with Community Partners
  • Used to promote compliance with the agreed upon treatment plan for the duration of the Diversion. Individuals who may not qualify for the Diversion process can still receive support, consultation, and referral to other community supports while navigating the court process. 
• 1:1 Counselling 
• Release from Custody Planning
  • Works with incarcerated individuals to develop a successful discharge plan, which may include referral to housing supports, substance use counselling, case management or counselling support. 

How Do I Get Connected? 

Anyone can make a referral (self-referral, family, lawyer, Crown Attorney, custody facilities, probation), as long as the individual consents and is willing to enter into the program. 

Referral can occur by calling our program, based on location: 

• Charges in Owen Sound court: 519-371-3642 x 1603 (Addictions Court Support); x 1601 (Mental Health Court Support) 
• Charges in Walkerton court: 519-371-3642 x 2112 (Addictions Court Support); x 2106 or x 2108 (Mental Health Court Support) 

Is There a Cost for This Program? 

There is no cost for this program. 

Is There a Waitlist for This Program? 

Wait times can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please call the numbers listed above for current wait time projections. 

Locations:  

• Owen Sound Court (611 9th Avenue East) or CMHA office location (Suite 206, 1101 2nd Avenue East) 
• Walkerton Court (Hanover office location at 425 10th Street)