Forensic Program: Programs and Services

The Forensic Program at Regional Mental Health Care St. Thomas offers both inpatient and outpatient programs and services.

The programs mission is to enable persons with mental health disorders who have been in conflict with the law to improve their functioning so they may be successful and satisfied in the roles and environments of their choice while receiving the support necessary to ensure the safety and security of staff, clients, and the public at large.

Inpatient Units   

Clients who are inpatients of the Forensic Program reside in one of four units:

• Forensic Assessment Unit: A medium secure environment which focuses on providing consultation and specialized assessments regarding fitness to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and sentencing to the justice system.
• Forensic Treatment Unit: A medium secure setting providing longer-term integrated treatment, rehabilitation, and support to clients on Ontario Review Board dispositions. The unit operates under a model of psychosocial rehabilitation. Client privileges are introduced gradually depending on each client's illness status, security needs/risk, and tolerance for less structure.
• Forensic Rehab Readiness Unit: A locked minimum secure unit with a lower level of security that reflects the improvement in clinical status of the clients and their changing Ontario Review Board dispositions. Intensive engagement and initial rehabilitation take place on this unit with a focus on developing personal goals and initial steps toward community reintegration.
• Forensic Rehabilitation Unit: An open minimum secure unit with a low level of security that reflects further clinical improvement and also development within the rehabilitation process. More intensive rehabilitation takes place on this unit with a focus on preparation for community reintegration.

Forensic Outreach Program

The Forensic Outreach Team plays a crucial role in the safe and successful transition of forensic clients back into the community.

Intensive rehabilitation efforts continue within the community setting where skill training and ongoing risk assessment and management take place. The team works closely with other community-based agencies across our South-Western Ontario catchment area to link clients with the appropriate on-going supports (e.g. ACT teams, residential treatment, group homes, Homes for Special Care, etc.).

Once discharged to the community, forensic clients remain on Ontario Review Board dispositions for varying amounts of time.

The outreach team provides ongoing forensic monitoring and risk management for these individuals. The outreach team uses its forensic knowledge and expertise to assist the Ontario Review Board in determining a client's suitability for absolute discharge from the forensic system.