Youth Mental Health Court Worker Program
The Youth Mental Health Court Worker (YMHCW) Program provides support to youth aged 12 to 17 who are in conflict with the law and presenting with mental health needs, illness or disorder. The worker establishes effective linkages between the youth in conflict with the law, the Youth Justice Court (Youth Court System) and appropriate community mental health and justice resources.
The YMHCW functions as a short-term “bridge” between these systems to reduce barriers to youth accessing necessary mental health and other community-based services to reduce recidivism.
Program Overview
The YMHCW Program is an alternative to the Court process for youth who have been identified with mental health needs.
The program assists youth who are considered appropriate for diversion to access mental health services and other community supports. The program develops diversion plans, works directly with the youth linking them to mental health and community-based services.
Where the Crown Attorney believes the youth is experiencing mental health issues and would benefit from community-based services, the Crown Attorney may withdraw the charges after the youth completes the YMHC Program which addresses their needs and increases access to community treatment and support.
The YMHCW can provide consultation to the Youth Justice Court, Crown Attorney, defence and duty counsel, and parents with respect to concerns about a youth’s mental health.
Eligibility Criteria
- Youth aged 12 to 17 years.
- Youth resides within the community of Cochrane, Ontario.
- Evidence of mental health needs and/or behavioural needs.
- Youth’s mental health needs must be able to be effectively managed within the community.
- Youth has been charged with a Class I or less serious Class II type offence.
- A youth who is on a probation order and receives a new divertible charge is eligible.
Referral Process
Referrals for the YMHCW Program can be made by a youth, family member, caregiver, police officer, Crown Attorney, defence and duty counsel or community agency. All referrals will be received by the YMHCW at NEOFACS.
How Does The Program Work?
The YMHCW meets with the youth and collects and/or obtains background information on presenting mental health issues, mental health history and background of offence to determine if the youth is eligible to this program. The YMHCW is then responsible for submitting an application for this program to the Crown Attorney.
Upon approval by the Crown Attorney, the YMHCW links the youth to mental health and/or community-based services. The YMHCW remains involved during the diversion period to assist the youth in meeting the conditions of the diversion agreement and case management.
At the end of the diversion period, the YMHCW prepares a brief report on the youth’s compliance and submits this to the Crown Attorney. Upon successful completion, the youth returns to court and the charges may be withdrawn at the request of the Crown Attorney.
The YMHCW Program is a VOLUNTARY process available through the Cochrane Court.
The youth MUST take responsibility for their actions.
Contact Information:
To inquire about the YMHCW Program, please contact:
Donna-Lise Lamothe, Youth Mental Health Court Worker
451 Chalmers Avenue, Cochrane
705-272-5059 ext. 6401
Free Legal Advice – Duty Counsel Hotline: 1-800-265-0451
Program funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.