Specialized care for people with mental illness who are in conflict with the law
Providence Care's Regional Forensic Services Program provides specialized assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up to people with severe psychiatric illness who come into conflict with the law. The program serves the region of Southeastern Ontario.
Forensic Services is a 30-bed inpatient program; as well, some clients are cared for and monitored on an outpatient basis where permitted by the Ontario Criminal Review Board.
The main functions of the program are two-fold:
to provide assessment services to the courts; and
to facilitate the safe return of mentally disordered offenders to the community.
Inpatient services - two specialized units
The inpatient program is located at Providence Care Mental Health Services in Kingston and consists of two units: the Forensic Assessment Service and the Forensic Rehabilitation Service. Both are medium security and offer a range of assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation to assist with the psychiatric, psychological, educational, social, recreational and vocational needs of clients. The goal of treatment is community reintegration which is gained through a series of progressive steps and ongoing compliance with supervisory requirements. The length of stay ranges from a few weeks to years. The number of Forensic beds will not be reduced in the process of mental health reform.
- Forensic Assessment Service (18 beds)
This service assesses individuals referred by the courts as to their fitness to stand trial and whether they can be held criminally responsible for their actions. The service also assesses and treats patients who have been previously found Not Criminally Responsible and who need a high level of security.
- Forensic Rehabilitation Service (12 beds)
Patients on this unit have progressed in their rehabilitation and pose less risk to public safety. They continue to participate in rehabilitation activities as they work towards reintegration into the community.
Outpatient treatment and follow-up
Specialized outpatient services are provided to forensic patients who have community access and to those who live in the community as registered outpatients.
Research and expertise
The program is staffed by an interdisciplinary team of professionals who consult on forensic issues for court diversion programs, jails, and detention centres. Team members are active in research on contemporary issues in forensic psychiatry and psychology. Current studies include risk management strategies and recidivism, and treatment and rehabilitation needs of mentally ill people in conflict with the law.
Information and referrals
Please contact the Program Secretary at (613) 546-1101, ext. 5454.
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