Female inmates in the province will be getting more help with any mental health issues.
The Ontario government is partnering with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.
$1.2 million will be invested this year to create the province’s first dedicated unit to help female inmates who have acute mental health needs.
$2.3 million will be invested in following years to provide ongoing support.
“We are pleased to partner with the Ministry of the Solicitor General to provide this new service,” exclaims Karim Mamdani, President and CEO, Ontario Shores. “Everyone in our province, regardless of how they access the mental health care system, should be able to receive care when they need it and this new program takes us another step closer to providing accessible mental health care for all.”
“Individuals with mental health and addiction challenges are over-represented in Ontario’s correctional system,” says Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott. “Through this new dedicated unit, Ontario will provide mental health care for female inmates who have complex needs and require higher-acuity supports.”
“Our government is continuing to fulfill our promise of making mental health and addictions a priority,” says Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Too many women in our justice system are affected every single day by mental health and addiction challenges. With this partnership, we are taking real action to provide better, and more comprehensive care to address the unique needs of these women.”
This new unit will have five beds at Ontario Shores.
Individuals will be referred to Ontario Shores if they need more care than can be provided within Milton’s Vanier Centre for Women.
The new dedicated unit is expected to be in-use by late 2020.
