How the Downtown Community Court Works

How the Downtown Community Court works

Vancouver’s Downtown Community Court operates on the principle that collaborative case management can help individuals make positive changes, improve quality of life, and reduce recidivism.

The community court process involves multiple agencies and will vary depending on the unique circumstances and the complexity of each case.

Upon arrival

When an accused individual arrives at community court, they are met by the court’s defence lawyer. The accused can choose to work with their own lawyer instead if they have one.

After discussing the case with defence counsel, the accused can agree to resolve their case in the community court or, after appearing before the community court judge, dispute the case and proceed with a trial in a mainstream court.

Triage team interview

If the accused agrees to work to resolve their case in the community court, they can consent to an interview with a member of a triage team. Triage teams are made up of people who work at the community court, and generally include representatives from probation, health and social services.

The interview will provide information so that the team can understand the accused's circumstances and needs and develop a plan for consideration by the judge.

Collaborative intervention plan

In straightforward cases, the plan may simply be a recommendation that the individual attend health or substance use education sessions or a referral to an emergency shelter, income assistance or health care.

Complex cases

More complex health cases may require in-depth assessments by mental health and addictions clinicians, and other health professionals working with the court. In complex cases, the case management team or the mental health program may be assigned to help the individual follow through with recommendations of the collaborative intervention plan.

Sentencing

All relevant information is presented to the court at the time of sentencing. The court considers it and renders an appropriate sentence in relation to the severity of the crime, the individual’s history, as well as addressing, where possible, the reasons the individual was involved in criminal activity.

The sentence could range from alternative measures, community supervision, actions of reparation to the community for harm done by the crime, to incarceration. In most cases, individuals can be connected to services or other supports promptly after the court outcome.