Long-awaited mental health court to arrive in Brandon

For years, local judges have called for a mental health court in Brandon like the one that runs in Winnipeg, and now they have their wish.

Attorney General Gord Mackintosh announced today that the city will be home to a new mental health court as part of a five-year plan, although he said he wants the court set up here sooner rather than later.

The mental health court spares mentally ill offenders from jail in favour of treatment. It that treatment is successful, charges are dropped or they receive non-jail sentences such as probation.

Mackintosh also announced increased funding that will allow Westman Mediation Services to boost its mediation and restorative justice programs.