Mental disorder, substance use and criminal justice contact : Key informant survey

Substance abuse services were a feature of some services, and the need for continuity of care between addiction and mental health services was noted by many respondents (i.e., “most of the time they are the same clients”). [...] The forensic service in Victoria, Australia noted the development of systematic assessment and intervention services to identify the needs of patients with both mental illness and substance use disorders. [...] The forensic service in Maryland is part of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and provides evaluations and treatment of forensic patients. [...] Diversion Programs and Mental Health Courts A respondent from Alberta explicitly noted the creation of a diversion program to provide support and mental health treatment for mentally disordered offenders, and to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system. [...] This is mandated under the authority of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the National Parole Act, and the Alberta Corrections Act.