Since their 2013 inception, the Start Court for adults and the Links program in the Perth Children’s Court have played a key role in improving the health and wellbeing among this cohort while reducing recidivism.
The two programs seek to address participants’ mental health issues that are often the cause of their offending and may, where appropriate, present an alternative to imprisonment.
Almost 7000 people have been referred to Start Court and Links in the past 10 years.
The programs are partnerships between the Department of Justice and the Mental Health Commission, with support from the Department of Health, service provider Outcare and other agencies.
“We recognise the significant efforts of the programs’ dedicated teams and partner agencies in striving to improve participating offenders’ mental health and community safety,” Department of Justice Director General Dr Adam Tomison said.
Start Court offers access to mental health services, psychosocial and legal supports, as well as assistance for alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues if required, to referred people who plead guilty and get bail.
Between March 2013 and May 2023, Start Court received 3302 referrals, of which 1660 individuals entered the program’s initial assessment phase and 894 went on to the main program phase. A total of 510 people completed the court’s full program.
All of those referred to the Court are offered support and access to mental health services.
"A key to its success is people in the justice system experiencing mental health, AOD and psychosocial issues receiving collaborative support from multidisciplinary professionals and specialist service providers as a virtual ‘one-stop shop’," Acting Mental Health Commissioner Lindsay Hale said.
Start Court Magistrate Elaine Campione said: “That it's lasted the distance and now is accepted as an important part of the justice system is quite an achievement. We're all of the view that the model works.”
Links’ mental health professionals and support staff assess young people and produce reports for the Children’s Court, make referrals to services and can offer links to clinical intervention and community support services.
The program has provided advice, assessment or assistance to 3595 young people across the past 10 years.
An evaluation of the program over the three years to June 2022 found 81 per cent of young people case managed by Links experienced improved mental health. Eighty-five per cent demonstrated reduced risk of self-harm or harm to others and 73 per cent showed reduced substance misuse.
“To support vulnerable young people at what is one of the most the most stressful times of their lives and advocate on their behalf with a positive outcome is immensely satisfying,” Links Acting Team Leader Renee Benedetti said.
Left to right: Mental Health Advisory Council Chair Margaret Doherty; Deputy Director General, Court and Tribunal Services, Joanne Stampalia; Children’s Court Magistrate Alana Padmanabham; Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, Attorney General John Quigley; Start Court Magistrate Elaine Campione.
