The relationship between Mental Health and Justice is thriving in Central Alberta as a Mental Health Diversion program boasts much success working with individuals who've run into trouble with the law, who may be struggling with a mental health or addiction issue.
 
That program launched 7 years ago and is very busy according to Clinical Supervisor with Alberta Health Services, Susan Gerbrandt.

“We’ve shown a substantial increase particularly over the last 6 months, so we’re certainly working at capacity. In the beginning for example we might have received in 2010 maybe 10 referrals in 3 months and now we probably deal with up to 14 referrals a week”.

In terms of how the program works, Gerbrandt says they first receive a referral, the individual is assessed through the mental health clinic, if treatment and support in the community would better serve the offender, and if they are willing to commit to treatment and support services, they'll work on established goals over a 3-4 month period.

If they are successful achieving those goals, the program will recommend their charges be withdrawn.

Gerbrandt says they are having plenty of positive outcomes.

“We average about a 70% success rate, and I think that’s actually quite high given the nature of the clients that we deal with. These individuals mostly suffer from severe and persistent mental illness which would include things like schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, things like that, things that seriously impede an individual’s ability to be successful”.

Another positive outcome according to Gerbrandt is a decrease in recidivism.

“which means that individuals who are better served in the community with the supports and services that are available, have a less likelihood of further conflict with the law. We’re in court everyday so they know who is coming repeatedly and there is a decrease in those numbers which is a good thing”.

The Mental Health Diversion Program operates in 9 communities across the province.