Moncton Mental Health Court Adds Housing for Participants

Moncton’s mental health court began operating on April 1 as an alternative to the traditional court system for people facing charges linked to mental health or addiction issues. The program is available to individuals charged with less serious summary conviction offenses who accept responsibility for their actions.

Participants work with a court health navigator and probation officer for about 12 months, after which charges may be withdrawn if the program is completed successfully.

The court has partnered with non-profit organizations to provide 18 to 20 beds for participants. Alternative Residences will reserve two beds and the John Howard Society will reserve eight beds, with the government seeking eight to 10 additional beds.

Rob McKee, New Brunswick’s minister of justice, said the program follows a housing-first model because stable housing supports access to mental health and addiction services.

The Moncton court is modeled on a program that has operated in Saint John since 2000. Mary Ann Campbell, director of the Centre for Policing and Criminal Justice Research at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, has evaluated that program. Campbell said the Saint John program does not specifically treat addictions, though about one-third of participants have addiction issues.

In Moncton, all bail court judges can refer individuals, and the program includes housing support as a core component. The Department of Justice and Public Safety said six people have agreed to participate so far. After completing the program, participants receive support to move from transitional housing into longer-term housing.