Mental Health, Autism & Learning Disabilities in the Criminal Courts

Information for magistrates, district judges and court staff

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Some questions you might want to consider

  • Do you think you get enough information about defendants? Would further information be helpful, such as knowing if any concerns were raised at the police station or if the defendant has accessed mental health or learning disability services?
  • What access to liaison and diversion services does your court have? For example, what times and days of the week do liaison and diversion staff work in your court?
  • Are there any arrangements in place to ensure that people with suspected mental health conditions or learning disabilities appear in court on a day when liaison and diversion service staff are available? 
  • What support do you receive from liaison and diversion services? What other support might be helpful? 
  • Does your court receive routine information and/or awareness training from liaison and diversion staff? 
  • Who is the main contact for liaison and diversion services in your court? How often do you meet to discuss issues of mutual concern?

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