Brief Assessment Unit / Mental Health Court

The Brief Assessment Unit (BAU) primarily provides a consultative, time-limited psychiatric competency assessment, usually related to forensic "fitness" issues for adult offenders. Its primary referral sources are suburban courts within the Greater Toronto Area not otherwise served by mental health forensic resources. Limited capacity is available for the provision of forensic psychiatric assessments of individuals facing charges under the Young Offenders Act. Assessments of Young Offenders may also include a detailed psychological assessment/ evaluation, depending upon presenting issues.

Psychiatric staff also provide brief assessments of competency/"fitness" for accused appearing at the Mental Health Court at Old City Hall, Toronto. Verbal opinions regarding forensic issues and fitness are presented in the court environment immediately following psychiatric assessment. Assessment and Triage Unit (ATU) staff provides administrative support to this program.

Referral Required: A court-based judicial order is a mandatory pre-requisite for psychiatric consultations provided through this service

Contact: Mary DeSousa, Court Liaison Worker, (416) 535-8501, ext. 2969, e-mail: mary_desousa@camh.net

Contact: Unit receptionist: (416) 535-8501, ext. 2962

Contact: Fax: (416) 583-4327

Location: Queen Street site, Unit 3 - 4th floor, 1001 Queen St West, Toronto; Mental Health Court - Old City Hall, 60 Queen St West, Toronto

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