Community Networks of Specialized Care – Dual Diagnosis Justice Case Management

Brief Description

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services funds Community Networks of Specialized Care (CNSCs) to provide direct complex coordination to adults with developmental disabilities with high supports and complex care needs, or who require appropriate diversion from the Justice System. The Dual Diagnosis Justice Case Management Program (DDJCM) is administered by CNSCs as a key function in their mandate.

The DDJCM provides cross-sector coordination support to divert people with a developmental disability or dual diagnosis (person with a developmental disability and a mental health issue) in conflict with the law, through securing appropriate services or treatment in place of the usual criminal justice proceedings of trial and/or incarceration.  The program acts as a system resource and creates linkages and partnerships. It supports people with dual diagnosis through the justice process and intervenes at any point – whether that person is in custody, upon release from custody or at any court hearing or other point along the way. For minor offences it can help the person apply for court diversion and encourage the person to adhere to diversion and treatment plans.

The program is centred on alternatives to detention; community mobilization, community supervision and aftercare.

Goals

The main goals of the Dual Diagnosis Justice Case Management are to:

• Reduce the number of people with a Dual Diagnosis entering the Criminal Justice System;
• Decrease the time spent in a Correctional Facility or Hospital;
• Divert people with developmental disabilities or dual diagnosis in conflict with the law through securing appropriate services or treatments in place of criminal proceedings and/or incarceration; and
• Coordination and support of individuals with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis when facing criminal proceedings.

Clientele

The target population for the DDJCM program is persons who are 18 years of age or older involved in the criminal justice system who have a confirmed or suspected dual diagnosis (defined as a developmental disability and mental health condition which includes challenging behaviours).

DDJCM can be accessed through Ontario’s centralized access point for adult developmental services, Developmental Services Ontario. Referrals can be made directly to DSOs by persons or others directly connected to the individual requiring service including: family members, community partner agencies, lawyers, correctional facilities, police, hospitals and others.

Core Components

Individuals can stay involved with the DDJCM program until the conclusion of their criminal proceedings. It offers linkages to long term supports in order to provide successful transitions into the community and limit the opportunity for further contact with the criminal just system.

The core components of DDJCM initiative are:

• Comprehensive individualized assessment and planning – DDJCM workers are present in the criminal court to assist in management and disposition of cases involving a person with Dual Diagnosis.
• Coordination and Support – Providing court support and assisting in obtaining a suitable lawyer, obtaining appropriate assessments to aid in the judicial process.
• Monitoring and evaluation – Diverting individuals with dual diagnosis in conflict with the law by working collaboratively with community partners who provide support and monitoring of mental health diversion. Partnering and planning with correctional facilities for appropriate discharge planning, participating in detention centre case management meetings and communicating with probation and parole officials to ensure recidivism.
• Systematic advocacy and coordination – Providing education to clients, court staff, families, court personal and judiciary on dual diagnosis and the individual. Assisting in links to longer term community and regional supports including housing, mental health and income assistance.

Implementation Information

Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:

• Organizational requirements: The DD JCM program is administered by Dual Diagnosis Justice Case Managers who must work collaboratively with many partners to successful divert individuals. The need to be able to build capacity in the developmental services, mental health and justice services for people with dual diagnosis in their local communities, as well as knowledge and education on dual diagnosis to better identify individuals who might be at risk are also required.
• Partnerships: Successful diversions are heavily reliant on strong partnerships with agencies and services that exist within and outside the DS sector. Partnerships between Dual Diagnosis Justice Care Managers, DS agencies, court services, mental health agencies, DSOs legal service and natural supports are essential for executing a successful diversion
• Training and technical assistance: Dual Diagnosis Justice Case Manager who administer the program require knowledge of issues related to Dual Diagnosis treatment and Criminal Justice System. Some organizations may require registration with either the College of social workers and social service workers or a regulated body under the regulated health professions act.
• Risk assessment tools: Each individual who utilizes the program has an individual/behaviour support plan which includes support needs and risk factors to manage.
• Materials & resources: Data collection on referrals and support services for individuals; Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 (SIPDDA).

International Endorsements

The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:

• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
• Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
• Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.

Gathering Canadian Knowledge

Canadian Implementation Sites

The DD JCM program is implemented province-wide in Ontario. It is managed through the Community Networks of Specialized Care in Ontario since its inception in 2006 and have been working with health, justice and corrections professionals with the view to keeping people with a Dual Diagnosis out of the criminal justice system and/or support them through the justice process.

Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies

No information available.

Cost Information

The DDJCM program is made up of 12 FTEs spread across the nine Community Networks of Specialized Care agencies. Funding for the DDJCM program/FTEs is through each CNSC respective budget.

References

There is no Canadian reference available at this time.

For more information on this program, contact:

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services – Community Services Division

315 Front Street

Toronto, Ontario

E-mail: Anitha.Thevarajan@Ontario.ca

Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-children-community-and-social-services