Bermuda’s Mental Health Treatment Court Programme will be officially opened tomorrow.

The initiative, which was launched as a pilot programme in October 2013, provides services to people accused of offences and suffering from a mental illness.

It enables clients to be supervised in the community to help them address their mental health issues and become productive citizens.

The legislative framework for the programme was put in place in August.

Director of Court Services Gina Hurst-Maybury said in a statement: “The programme continues to make strides and validate that a team approach and judicial monitoring are effective in changing lives.

“We are proud of the work of all our agencies and team members, it is a work in progress but is showing signs of hope and great benefit for our entire community.

“The pilot programme demonstrated success in compliance to treatment and at least four individuals have completed the programme.”

The programme includes dedicated professionals from the judiciary, office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, legal aid, the Department of Court Services, the Bermuda Police Service, Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and the Department of National Drug Control.

Other service providers, employers and family members of participants are also involved.

According to a press release, the programme used the Buffalo New York’s Mental Health Court as its mentor court and the relationship over the past nine years has included training, development and mentorship for local personnel.

In addition a team from the Buffalo Court visited Bermuda in the past and provided recommendations and technical assistance in developing our programme.

The ceremony tomorrow will be a closed court session, but family and friends will be invited.