The Western Australian Government has announced $5 million over two years for the formation of a new Mental Health Court Division Program, that will cater for adults and children with mental illness facing criminal charges at Perth’s Magistrates’ Court and Children’s Court.

 

The division will be headed by a full-time magistrate and supported by a dedicated team of professionals giving assessments, individualised treatment and liaison to community mental health services, the program will aim to reduce re-offending rates by people with moderate or severe mental health illness and divert them away from the prison system.

 

In addition to the $5 million, $1.7 million will be spent over two years for the placement of mental health experts at Perth’s Children’s Court for an early intervention pilot program to provide timely assessments, referrals and treatment.

 

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said it was essential to identify young offenders early and get them essential services for their illness.


“Too often these people are inappropriately and expensively caught up in the criminal justice system, when they should be receiving effective mental health care,” Mrs Morton said.


“Traditional methods of sentencing have little impact on people with mental illness and often fail to address the cause of the offending behaviours.”


Attorney General Christian Porter said several diversion options existed within the courts, however the mental health diversion and support program was the first of its kind in WA.


“About 3,600 adults who come before the metropolitan magistrates’ courts have a serious mental illness. This program will complement existing services and fill a gap that is not currently met,” Mr Porter said.