Youth Mental Health Court Worker (YMHCW)

This program provides in-person/virtual support to youth experiencing mental health issues who are involved with the Youth Justice Court. The YMHCW provides referral resources to the Youth Justice Court and establishes contacts with community-based services to divert the young person away from the Criminal Justice System to mental health resources and services within the community. This service is offered to youth involved in the Youth Justice Court at the A. Grenville & William Davis Courthouse (Brampton), the Milton Courthouse (Milton), or the Dufferin County Courthouse (Orangeville).

Goals of the Program:

  • To identify the mental health needs of youth involved in the Criminal Justice System
  • To provide consultation to the Judiciary, Crown Attorney’s Office, Defense/Duty Counsel and community agencies
  • To facilitate referrals to community-based mental health resources and services, to minimize involvement in the Criminal Justice System
  • To provide information and support to family members and caregivers of youth with mental health issues
  • To support the diversion of youth away from the Criminal Justice System to community-based mental health resources and services

Inclusionary Criteria:

  • Youth ages 12-17 yrs, at the time of the offence
  • Youth with mental health issues, suspected or diagnosed
  • Youth involved in the Youth Justice Court at the A. Grenville & William Davis Courthouse (Brampton), the Milton Courthouse (Milton) or the Dufferin County Courthouse (Orangeville)

Exclusionary Criteria:

  • Youth who do not voluntarily agree to participate in the program

Referral Source:

  • Referrals can be made at any stage of the court process by a youth, family member, caregiver, Youth Justice Court, Defense and Duty Counsel, Crown Attorney or community agency

Referral Process:

To make a referral please contact the Youth Mental Health Court Worker at:

Brampton

A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse
7755 Hurontario Street, Probation Office, Suite 240
Brampton, Ontario L6W 4T1
416.525.8193

Milton

Milton Courthouse
491 Steeles Avenue East
Milton, Ontario L9T 1Y7
905.691.0580

Orangeville

Dufferin County Courthouse
10 Louisa Street
Orangeville, Ontario L9W 3P9
905.691.0580

The YMHCW Program Supervisor is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the referral process or program criteria.