Contributions

While the project was launched on the initiative of one provincial court judge, 

those who shared the vision and came forward to help are the reason the 

project was able to go forward. In the process of development, the Mental 

Health Court has demonstrated the significant benefits of 

cooperative action.  The team approach has resulted in an innovative 

collaboration among components within the criminal justice system 

( the judiciary, the Crown, the defense bar and probation services) and also

 between the courts and the community and between the criminal justice

system and the mental health system.

The Court is grateful for the strong support, participation and contribution

of Community Mental Health Services Saint John ( Region 2 Department

of Health and Wellness) and the individuals from Mental Health Services

who serve as team members.  The level of cooperation has been significant

not only for the SJMHC program, but for interaction between the Courts

and Mental Health Services.

The project has provided a unique forum for the judiciary to work together

with another branch of the government and representatives of the community

to find and implement a process which enhances the administration of justice.

The criminal justice system is called upon to deal with vulnerable persons

such as the mentally ill and the intellectually disabled and how it does so is

an indication of a community’s civility and fairness. 

Representatives from the provincial departments of Justice, Public Safety

and Health and Wellness continue to serve on the Mental Health Court

Team.  Legal Aid, both provincially and federally, have demonstrated

support in the provision of duty counsel and an operational review.  

With respect to community input, the Court acknowledges the community

caregivers, including the Salvation Army, who have been a welcome and

continuing source of support and participation.  

Finally, the Court acknowledges the graduates of the Mental Health

Court program.  They have worked hard to achieve stability and improve

their lives.