The Western Australian Government has announced the appointment of Magistrate Vicki Stewart to head up the state’s new dedicated mental health court for people with mental health problems and/or mental illness.

 

Expected to begin operations in 2013, the new court will be the first of its kind in the state and will offer enhanced assessment, court liason and support for people with a mental illness as they progress through the court system.

 

“The mental health court diversion program is a way of putting mental health expertise into the criminal courts to provide a means of diverting offenders with a mental illness into mental health treatment,” Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said.

 

Currently, the state process about 3,600 people through the metropolitan magistrates’ courts with a serious mental illness.

 

Attorney General Michael Mischin welcomed the appointment of Ms Stewart as a Magistrate of the pilot program and said she would bring a high level of skill and experience to the position.

 

“Magistrate Stewart has extensive experience as a judicial officer, and previously as a solicitor and counsel. She has been a Magistrate in the Perth Magistrate’s Court since 2003, and the Drug Court Magistrate since 2008,” Mr Mischin said.

 

“She has wide experience across a range of areas, including working with people with drug addiction and mental health issues, making her well equipped to undertake the work of the new mental health court. I am confident this pilot program is in good hands.” 

 

Before her appointment as a Magistrate, Ms Stewart was Director of Legal and Legislative Services at the Department of Health. She also served as a Magistrate in the Children’s Court of Western Australia.