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The North Shore Schizophrenia Society actively monitors trials and inquests involving the mentally ill on the North Shore, provides information and support to family members in such proceedings, and provides information and perspective about serious mental illness to both defence and crown counsel as called for by the situation. In instances where an ill person is charged with a crime, the
NSSS explains to family members how such cases are usually dealt with. Most particularly, it discusses a possible finding of “not criminally responsible because of a mental disorder” (NCRMD) and how any subsequent assignment to the Forensic Hospital works, with - if all turns out well - eventual release once the ill person has been treated and stabilized. Family members, at the same time, are referred to the Family Support Group, where they can discuss their situation with others, some of whom may also have had an ill relative in the criminal justice system. The
NSSS, sometimes in direct discussion subsequent to a first appearance, also tries to ensure that both defence counsel and crown prosecutor understand the nature of serious mental illness and the role it may have played in the alleged offence, and, if the case goes to trial, that they consider a finding of NCRMD accordingly. This support is provided to family members even if their ill relative is charged and is being tried elsewhere than on the North Shore. |
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