Last month, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police revealed their intentions to decriminalize possession of simple illicit drugs.
By decriminalizing, they intend to work towards a health centred approach with individuals in possession rather than an enforcement approach.
We spoke with the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch to learn more about how they help those in crisis, how they help them navigate the system and the supports they offer to help them move on.
COAST, their 24 hour crisis line is an opportunity for individuals or their loved ones to call in to learn more about the supports CMHA offers or how to intervene before an individual potentially gets involved with the police or other services.
Samantha Falcone is a Crisis Intervention Specialist with COAST, as we previously reported, COAST works with officers who are trained in mental health and will help the COAST team respond to calls.
Falcone says the Halton Police are already doing their part in responding with a health centred approach.
She adds that the she believes this approach is becoming more widespread due to the prevalence of mental health calls.
Police still have a duty to protect everyone involved.
During a call if a individual is apprehended the individual is taken to either Oakville Trafalgar hospital, Joseph Brant or the Milton or Georgetown Hospitals to be assessed by the ER or crisis team at the hospital to determine if they need to be admitted.
Megan McNeil is the Manager of Case Management Services at CMHA’s Halton Region Branch.
She talks about their case management programs.
For those who are already in the system, CMHA has a Justice Services Department where they have their Released From Custody program.
McNeil explains.
They also have court support programs for those who are out of custody but are navigating the criminal justice system.
She also outlines their community treatment courts.
They offer walk in counselling programs four days a week from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at a number of locations throughout Halton.
McNeil says these sessions are their efforts to provide low barrier access to immediate supports to those in crisis to prevent them from escalating.
She outlines the support they offer to people as they re-integrate into the community.
The number for the COAST Crisis Line is 1-877-825-9011
