People living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders are disproportionally represented in Canadian courts and prisons. According to recent data, 25% of people in Canada's prisons have a mental health disorder (Mental Health Commission of Canada 2020). It is also estimated that up to 80% of individuals incarcerated in federal penitentiaries have a drug or alcohol dependence disorder (Department of Justice Canada 2021). Recognizing that Canada's court system is not designed to support these populations, many provinces have introduced mental health courts that are intended to divert people with mental health and substance use disorders out of the traditional system and into supports and programs focused on treatment and rehabilitation.

Comments

Be the first to comment on this!