Correctional Health and Forensics

Correctional health offers primary health care and mental health and addictions services across a variety of settings, including correctional centres, detention facilities, the Forensic In-patient Unit and the Mental Health Court.

Services are provided to adults and youth residing in correctional or detention facilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

We offer a range of health services, including:

• Nursing assessments and interventions.
• Medication management and administration.
• Diagnostic services and referrals.
• Health promotion and prevention.
• Opioid dependence therapy.
• Mental health and addictions counselling, and psychological and psychiatric services.
• Referral services for dentistry, optometry, physiotherapy and other specialists or health providers.

We also provide discharge and transition planning, through a multidisciplinary approach, working as a team to support individuals through every step.

Service availability may vary at correctional centres, with some services provided virtually.  For facility and content information, visit Corrections – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Forensic Unit includes services and programs for individuals 18 years and older who have mental health disorders and are involved in the justice system. This includes:

• Court-ordered assessments.
• Treatment for individuals admitted under the Correctional Services Act.
• Detention and treatment for those found not criminally responsible (NCR) due to a mental disorder. 

We provide follow-up after hospital discharge or the completion of a sentence.  

The medium security unit is located at the Mental Health and Addictions Centre in St. John’s.

The Mental Health Court program assists individuals 18 years and older, involved with the justice system, rebuild their lives in the community. Support is provided during the court process and continues after the charges are addressed.

The Provincial Forensic Coordinator is a social worker who coordinates care for those found unable to stand trial due to mental health disorder or those found not criminally responsible due to mental disorder (NCR-MD). This service involves coordinating care in hospital and the community.

Our health services are provided by a multidisciplinary team of professionals:

• Nurse practitioners
• Registered nurses
• Licensed practical nurses
• Psychiatrists
• Clinical pharmacists
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Addiction counsellors
• Administrative and clerical staff
• Occupational therapy (Forensic Unit)
• Recreation therapy (Forensic Unit)

Correctional centres and detention facilities:

• Upon arrival, an intake health assessment, including a health screening and medication review, is conducted. 
• If health services are required, health service request forms are available through correctional officers or health staff.
• Psychiatry and psychology services are available as clinically needed through referrals from the healthcare team.

The Forensic Unit and Mental Health Court:

• Through the provincial court system.

Correctional Health Services – Administration
St. John’s, NL
Phone: 709-777-3951

Forensic Unit
St. John’s, NL
Phone: 709-777-3535

Mental Health Court
St. John’s, NL
Phone: 709-777-3412

Provincial Forensic Coordinator
Phone: 709-777-3578