Ont. agrees in settlement to screen all inmates for mental health issues

TORONTO – A settlement reached Tuesday could result in significant changes to the way inmates with mental illness are treated in the province’s correctional facilities.

The agreement arises from an application filed with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario by Christina Jahn, a woman with mental illness, addictions and cancer.

Jahn alleged that she was placed in segregation for 210 days at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre because of her mental health disabilities.

Jahn also alleged the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services discriminated against her by failing to accommodate her mental health-related needs.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission intervened in Jahn’s case to address the systemic issues that led to her not receiving appropriate mental health services and being placed in segregation.

As a result of a settlement with Jahn, the ministry will review how to best serve women inmates with mental illness, and also put in place mental health screening for all inmates.