Show:
The Basics
People
The System
The ORB
Treatment
100

Can I get help in the forensic system for other challenges other than mental health?

Yes - many forensic/psychiatric hospitals also have programs to help with substance use, concurrent disorders, family problems, social skills, sexual problems, financial difficulties, physical health problems.

100

Name 2 members of your team that can help make decisions about treatment/the ORB?

The psychiatrist, social worker, occupational therapist, recreation therapist, nurse, behavior therapist, dietician, peer support worker, hospitalist, nurse practitioner, APCL, psychologist, manager

100

What is the forensic mental system?

It is the system that cares for people with mental illness who have come into contact with the law. The role of the forensic mental health system is not to punish, but to help rehabilitate and reintegrate people into the community.

100

What does ORB stand for?

Ontario Review Board

100

How many levels are in the forensic pass ladder?

There are 9 levels

200

Where can I turn for help if I feel I am being treated unfairly?

If you cannot solve a problem with your team, there are other people you can turn to:

  • Office of the Client Relations Coordinators
  • your lawyer
  • Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
200

Name at least 3 people within the forensic mental health system

Defense counsel, duty counsel, crown counsel, judge, court support workers, psychiatrist, nurse, psychologist, social worker, recreation therapist, occupational therapist, patient advocates, police

200

How often do you have an ORB hearing?

Happens annually (once a year)

200

What is “risk” defined as under the ORB?

Risk is the probability or threat of danger, damage, injury or loss.

When we’re talking about RISK in the ORB report, we are talking about STATIC risk and DYNAMIC risk.

200

What are 2 or 3 things that you can do that are part of your treatment plan?

Medications, participating in groups, treatment mall, volunteering, work, utilizing passes appropriately, and other 1:1 interventions/counselling

300

Name two of your rights under the client bill of rights

  • Right to be Treated with Respect
  • Right to Freedom from Harm
  • Right to Dignity and Independence
  • Right to Quality Services that Comply with Standards
  • Right to Effective Communication
  • Right to be Fully Informed
  • Right to make an Informed Choice, and Give Informed Consent to Treatment
  • Right to Support
  • Rights in Respect to Research and Teaching
  • Right to Make a Complaint.
300

Who makes up the ORB Panel at the hearing?

Chairperson (either a senior lawyer or a retired judge), psychiatrist, mental health professional, lawyer, community member

300

What does “Not Criminally Responsible” mean?

The Criminal Code of Canada states that you are NCR for an offence if a mental disorder prevents you from appreciating the nature of your actions OR knowing that your actions were wrong.

300

What happens immediately after the hearing?

The ORB will make a disposition. This is a decision/order which states:

  • whether you should live in the community with regular hospital visits
  • what level of security you require
  • and other requirements such as providing urine samples, reporting requirements, and passes
  • not carrying or owning weapons
300

How long do I need to stay in hospital?

This is reviewed every year and depends on your progress which includes treatment plan, goals, programs, etc.

400

What is in the report prepared by the hospital for the ORB hearing?

The report outlines all the work that has been done by you and your team:

  • Any assessments that were conducted over the past year
  • the things that have gone well and anything that has not gone so well over the past year
  • the privileges and conditions recommended by the team for the next year
  • your expectations and hopes for the next year, if you have told the team what they are
400

Can I appeal an ORB decision?

There is a process of appeal if you believe that the ORB has made an unfair decision. You cannot appeal the decision just because you don't like it; you have to be able to argue that the decision was not made fairly or lawfully. Talk to your lawyer to find out more about whether you have grounds to appeal.

400

When am I no longer under the authority of the ORB?

When you have been granted an absolute discharge.

400

What are the possible outcomes of an ORB hearing?

Detention order:

  • Individual may be sent to a hospital or outpatient program
  • Outlines if they CAN or CANNOT live in the community
  • Says the MAXIMUM level of passes a person can receive
  • Abstinence
  • ORB hearing every year
  • does NOT need to meet the threshold of the mental health act; therefore, can be brought straight to CAMH/hospital vs. form 1


Conditional discharge:

  • May be living in the community but within a certain area
  • Meets outpatient team regularly
  • Abstinence and UDS
  • Can be brought back to inpatient under the Mental Health Act or as a Voluntary Patient
  • ORB hearing every year


Absolute discharge

  • No longer under the ORB
  • Can decide if they want to continue with treatment for mental disorder
  • No criminal record but the police know that the individual was under the ORB
400

After an absolute discharge, do I still have to be in contact with mental health professionals?

No, but what are some benefits if you were to stay connected?