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Attorney General Statement On Mental Health Awareness Week

May 5, 2010

News

Mental Health Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2010 is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental health in Ontario.

At the Ministry of the Attorney General, we are committed to the fair and compassionate treatment of the unique mental health needs of persons in the criminal justice system.

A number of supports and services are available for Ontarians with mental health needs who are involved in the criminal justice system, whether they are victims, witnesses or persons charged.

For example, dedicated mental health courts in various locations help reduce the number of adults and youth with mental health needs in the criminal justice system. In appropriate circumstances, low-risk offenders are offered alternatives to prosecution. These alternatives can include referrals to community and justice service providers, or psychiatric services.

We are working to make improvements and over the past year we have held a series of roundtables to hear the first-hand perspective of consumers of mental health services, community service providers, and experts in the mental health field.

The Ministry of the Attorney General is committed to working with community partners to build on existing initiatives and continue to improve the way we deliver support and services.

Chris Bentley
Attorney General

Contacts

Erin Moroz
Minister's Office, 416-326-1785

Brendan Crawley
Communications Branch, 416-326-2210

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