Effective date: 7 November 2024
Notice 33
Prince George effective immediately; Prince Rupert effective November 12, 2024; Smithers and Terrace effective January 13, 2025
Purpose & Background
The purpose of this Notice is to describe the process for referral of an adult accused person appearing in custody from Prince George, Prince Rupert, Smithers or Terrace sheriff cells or the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre (PGRCC) into the Northern Virtual Bail Courtrooms VR1 and VR2 to a Forensic Liaison1 and, if requested by the Forensic Liaison, a Forensic Psychiatrist2.
Forensic Psychiatric Services (FPS) has had a long-standing Forensic Liaison presence at the Vancouver Provincial Court (222 Main Street) and Downtown Community Court. The Forensic Liaison facilitates access to timely services for the accused, particularly those in-custody. There is a desire to expand this program outside Vancouver. An initial pilot program in the Northern Region commenced in November 2023 involving adult accused persons appearing from Prince George courthouse sheriff cells or PGRCC in the Northern Virtual Bail Courtroom VR1 (Prince George), with the following goals:
- Reducing the number of accused persons being held in custody pending a formal fitness assessment by FPS;
- Making available timely care and treatment and bridging services to the community for the accused;
- Providing the Court with information regarding the availability ofspecific bail conditions, which may reduce the risk to re-offend and support access to treatment; and
- Reducing community displacement.
The Court, in conjunction with FPS, is now expanding this program to additional locations in the Northern Region effective November 12, 2024 in Prince Rupert and as of January 13, 2025 in Smithers and Terrace.
Read Notice 33
- A Forensic Liaison (Nurse/Social Worker) will provide mental status exams, gather collateral information regarding prior treatment, treatment needs, and potential community resources to support the accused should they be released.
- A Forensic Psychiatrist will be available as requested by the Forensic Liaison to provide a further opinion on complex referrals, interview the accused should there be a question regarding fitness, and offer an expert opinion on certification and/or fitness.