Purpose & Background
The purpose of this Notice is to describe the process for requesting a mental health status examination of an adult accused person appearing in custody from specific Northern Region courthouse sheriff cells or the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre (PGRCC) into the Northern Virtual Bail Courtrooms VR1 and VR2 by a forensic liaison1 and, if requested by the forensic liaison, a forensic psychiatrist2.
This Notice only applies to the Northern Virtual Bail Courtrooms originating at the Prince George, Prince Rupert, Terrace and Smithers courthouses (Designated Courts).
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 timely access to services for the accused, particularly those in-custody. The Northern Virtual Bail Forensic Liaison Program has 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 of specific bail conditions, which may reduce the risk to re-offend and support access to treatment; and
- Reducing community displacement.
In appropriate cases, after discussion between Crown counsel and defence/duty counsel, a referral may be sent to a forensic liaison requesting a mental health status examination. Upon providing a nonconfidentiality warning advising the accused that their criminal charges will not be discussed, and receiving consent of the accused, a forensic liaison will complete a mental status examination, gather collateral information regarding prior treatment and prior assessments, and make recommendations regarding treatment needs and options and potential community resources to support the accused should they be released on bail. Should the accused not consent or be unable to consent, the forensic liaison will limit their assessment to observation and any health-related information available consistent with privacy legislation.
- 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.