Nova Scotia Department of Justice: Nova Scotia Mental Health Court Project

Nova Scotia's Mental Health Court Program

A specialized Mental Health Court, the first of its kind in Nova Scotia, will hold its first seating on November 5, 2009. The new court will hear cases which have been recommended by a mental health court team as being eligible for the program, and a team of mental health clinicians and lawyers will be at the courthouse to assess potential clients and assist with their needs through counselling and other support. The goal of this new court is to treat Nova Scotians with mental disorders, who commit criminal offences, fairly and compassionately, and to help them improve their mental health to reduce the risk to public safety.

Shown above, Justice Minister Ross Landry (left) toured the construction site of the new Mental Health Court in August. He was joined by Stephen Ayer, Executive Director of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia.

For more information, please see the program documents at right.