This project focuses on intervention courts within Ontario. This study looks at mental health courts (MHC) and drug treatment courts (DTC) and their objective of reducing recidivism rates in the prison system for those living with mental health or substance use addictions. The research provides an environmental scan of current literature on drug treatment courts in North America and specifically the contribution of peer support workers. Additionally, this project incorporates fieldwork to fully understand the nature and logistics of these drug treatment courts, with a specific focus on Hamilton, Ontario. The purpose of the project is to determine best practices for court diversion initiatives.

Project & Research Team 

James Gillett (Academic Director, Community Research Platform, Associate Professor, Department of Health, Aging and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences) 

Mary Ellen Rudelle (Mental Health Court Support and Peer Support Services, CMHA) 

Madison Hannon (Student, Health Aging and Society) 

Samantha Perrotta (Student, Health Aging and Society) 

Samantha Blair (Student, Sociology)