A recent webinar by the Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC) focused on a Mental Health Adult Pre-Charge Diversion Program in Durham Region. Constable Scott Logan, along with Yolanda Diston and Valerie Mussington from Durham Mental Health Services, engaged over 150 webinar participants in a discussion about local efforts in implementing this program and how it has helped them make referrals and improve police awareness of mental health issues.
The webinar outlined how the program has reduced the number of individuals experiencing mental health issues who are charged with offences
When a person with mental health issues has committed a minor crime in Durham Region, the Adult Mental Health Pre-charge Diversion Program helps move them away from the justice system and into the healthcare system. The webinar outlined how the program has reduced the number of individuals experiencing mental health issues who are charged with offences, while helping them to take responsibility for their actions and linking them with the appropriate supports and services.
For a copy of the presentation PowerPoint visit the HSJCC website.
To view the webinar recording, visit the CMHA Ontario website.