Pre-Arrest Diversion
The Pre-Arrest Diversion Program, offered through Kenora Chiefs Advisory Mental Health & Addictions Program, was developed to reduce the probability of contact with the legal system for whose living with a mental illness or addiction.
Service delivery is based on the Case Management Model with an emphasis on:
- Illness stabilization and management: intake and needs assessments, referrals to treatment programs, psychiatric assessments, education about factors relating to mental health and addictions.
- Life Skills development geared toward fostering client independence and optimizing lifestyle: money management, problem-solving, employment, nutrition, and personal care.
- Building social and family support systems utilizing existing resources in the community, linking with traditional healing methods, referral to resources outside of the community as necessary, family counselling, support and parenting skills, encouraging positive modeling, and recreational activities.
- Education and advocacy on issues involved with legal services and criminal justice system.
- Restorative Justice giving individual the opportunity to take responsibility for their behaviour, understanding the full impact of their behaviour and repairing the harm done to their victims.
Who can refer to the program?
- The Police or the Crown Attorney may refer those who have allegedly committed a crime (Offence criteria are determined by individual police services and generally will include offences of a non-serious nature).
- Legal Sector including Probation & Parole, open custody facilities, Crown Attorneys may refer those with previous convictions who are at high risk for re-offending.
- Community service providers in each of the mandated 14 First Nations including: Social Services, Education, Health Services, and any concerned parent or member of the community.
- Child and Family Services, other Court Diversion programs, Schools, Addictions or Counselling programs.
- Internal referrals from Mental Health & Addictions team.
Who can be referred to the program?
- Those 12 years of age and up
- The person DOES NOT have to have a criminal record to be referred
- Those demonstrating signs of addiction or anti-social behaviours
