The Addiction Court Support Program is designed for community residents whose substance use has resulted in criminal charges. It creates a direct link between the Justice System and the Addiction Treatment System by placing an addiction counsellor in bail court. Access to an addictions specialist at key moments of motivation has proven to be beneficial for many clients in achieving their desired goals.
The Addiction Court Support Counsellor offers clients:
- Brief motivational counselling to support positive changes regarding both substance use and criminal behaviour
- Assessment and referral to the most appropriate treatment and support resources
- Support to understand and comply with bail requirements
This program was piloted for 18 months from the fall of 2015 to March 2017 and clients reported the following:
- Decreased interactions with the police
- Healthier and safer decision-making regarding substance use
- Increased ability to meet bail conditions
- Access to a wide variety of substance use and community services.
The Addiction Court Support Program is made possible by the support of the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness and Community Safety which championed this vital service and advocated for its return to our community. Stonehenge is grateful to receive funding from the City of Guelph and Ontario Health for this program.
Referrals
Referrals to Addiction Court Support can be made by defence lawyers, crown attorneys, judges, Justices of the Peace, probation/parole officers, police, the John Howard Society, or other service providers.
To access this service, or for more information, please contact:
Rayanne Thompson
Phone: 519-362-3773
Email: rthompson@stonehengetc.com
