Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/642579
"Access to justice is access to equality – a fair chance," says Judy Virgo, a mental health court worker at the Old City Hall courthouse in downtown Toronto. But not everyone has had a fair chance in life, and might not have a fair chance in court if it weren't for Virgo and her colleagues. A team of dedicated Mental Health Court Workers, employed by Fred Victor Centre, work out of offices at the Old City Hall and College Park courthouses. Along with Virgo, profiled above are Michelle Gabriele, Jeanne Lovsted, Jorge Zelaya, Marg Robinson and Rhona Zitney. "We're kind of sitting ducks," says Zitney. "Our office is right there, so people come in to see us all the time." That's how it's meant to be. Those with mental health issues, and those who care about them, can just drop by. "Sometimes we get parents crying at our door, looking for help for their son or daughter," says Zitney. The mornings are especially fast-paced. "It helps if you're kind of addicted to adrenaline." The court workers assist people with their diversion plans, figuring out what gaps – be they medical, housing, income-related – need to be addressed so they can fulfil their plans and not end up back in court. They help clients navigate their court appearances, work with Crown and Duty Counsel on diversion strategies, and prepare release plans so people can get bail. Zitney says lawyers today are much more educated about mental health and addiction issues than in the past. "They can't just come in guns blazing," she says of Crown Counsel. "I think now there is a real recognition that pretty much everyone coming through the criminal justice system has something wrong with them." With that frame of mind, everyone in court can work together to ensure that the right steps are taken to address public safety while effecting the change necessary to steer people away from criminal behaviour. "We figure out where they're at," says Michelle Gabriele, "and what has happened to get them there." And when the right supports and treatment are in place, "you can see a 180-degree turnaround." Rhona Zitney, Marg Robinson, Judy Virgo, Jeanne Lovsted, Michelle Gabriele, Jorge Zelaya MENTAL HEALTH COURT SUPPORT WORKERS: 20 FLIP YOUR WIG