Victoria Integrated Court

Community Court focussed on offenders struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or homelessness. Seeks to reduce crime and improve public safety by integrating health and social services with the justice system in order to address the root causes of criminal behaviour. This is not a trial court but eligible people may have bail hearings or plead guilty and be sentenced here. Agencies with knowledge of an offender meet with Integrated Court Crown and defence lawyers and a probation officer before court to share information about the individual's needs and the resources available to address them. The lawyers present this information in submissions at a sentencing hearing to help the judge impose a responsive, timely, and focused sentence. A variety of government and community organizations offering mental health and other services provide support and supervision for offenders bound by bail or sentencing orders, helping them lead healthier, more stable lives.