Skinner’s experiences are typical, according to a report from the Canadian Mental Health Association released Friday examining the experiences of racialized people with mental health courts. “The only reason I found out (about mental health diversion) was because I missed court dates for being in the hospital. There are 19 mental health courts in the province, staffed by a specially trained Crown and judge. Other than the dedicated mental health court at Toronto’s Old City Hall courthouse which is open five days a week, the others sit only sporadically. Usually, to be eligible there must be a connection between the offence and the mental health diagnosis.

Source: thestar May 31, 2019 09:00 UTC