Home Counselling & Supports for Children & Youth Youth and Justice Programs (Voluntary) Youth Mental Health Court Worker
Youth Mental Health Court Worker

The Youth Mental Health Court Worker provides support to youth involved in the youth justice system (age 12-17 years at time of charge) who struggle with their mental health. A worker will provide the youth with support during the court process and will assist the youth in connecting to local services that may be helpful to them.

If the youth's charge before the court is for a lesser offence, the youth will be assisted in applying to be diverted away from the court process by developing and following through with a plan to participate in appropriate supports. If the youth complies with the plan created, the charge may be withdrawn.

If the youth does not apply to be diverted, or the diversion application is denied, the court worker will continue to provide support to the youth during their court involvement, helping them connect them to appropriate programs and supports.

Referrals to the program can be made at any point in the youth's court involvement. The program is voluntary and the youth must provide, at minimum verbal consent to initiate services.

Is there a cost for this program?
There is no cost for this program.

How do I access this program?
Referrals can be made directly to the Youth Mental Health Court Worker (available at youth court in Simcoe and Cayuga) or by calling the court worker at REACH at 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087 x 361.

Haldimand-Norfolk REACH is a member of the Ontario Community Justice Association www.ocja.ca , an affiliation of agencies facilitating community justice options in the Province of Ontario.