The forensic mental health system helps people who:
- Have a mental illness, and
- Have been involved with the law
People in this system get care in a hospital instead of going through the regular court process alone.
Home Patients & Families Understanding the Forensic Mental Health System
What is the Forensic Mental Health System?
What does NCR mean?
NCR means “Not Criminally Responsible.”
This means:
- A person did something against the law
- They had a serious mental illness at the time
- They did not know what they were doing or that it was wrong because of their mental illness.
How is someone labeled as NCR?
To be labeled as not criminally responsible
- A judge will order an assessment to determine the person’s mental state at the time of the committed offence.
- Forensic psychiatrists evaluate the individual and recommend this finding to the court.
- Waypoint has a program designed for this – Forensic Assessment Program (FAP)
What happens next?
- The person is sent to a mental health hospital
- Their case goes to the Ontario Review Board (ORB)
- A hearing will happen
What does “Unfit to Stand Trial” mean?
A person may be “unfit” if they:
- Do not understand what is happening in court
- Cannot talk with their lawyer properly
What happens next?
- They go to a mental health hospital
- The care team helps them get better
- Court may continue later when they are ready
What is the Ontario Review Board (ORB)?
The ORB is a group that reviews each case.
They:
- Meet at least once a year
- Check how the person is doing
- Decide what should happen next
They can decide if someone:
- Stays in hospital
- Lives in the community with support
- Is fully discharged
Helpful Resources
You can learn more here or ask your care team for printed guides.
What care looks like.
In a forensic mental health program, people may:
- Meet with doctors and nurses
- Take part in programs and activities
- Work toward recovery step by step
Everyone’s journey is different.
How families can help
You can:
- Stay informed
- Talk to the care team
- Support your loved one
- Ask questions
Seclusion
Seclusion is only used as a last option. It is used when:
- There is a serious and immediate safety risk
- And other ways to help have not worked
Each decision is made for the individual person.
- A doctor checks on the patient every day
- The care team reviews the situation often
Patients are provided:
- Time outside of their room to participate in actives when appropriate
- Entertainment options – like mp3 players, books, etc.
Waypoint also reviews how seclusion is used. This includes both internal reviews and outside experts. The goal is to reduce the use of seclusion and keep everyone safe.
Waypoint is committed to:
- Treating every patient with respect
- Protecting patient rights
- Providing a safe and supportive environment for patients, staff, and the community
If you have questions, contact your loved one’s care team or social worker.