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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    1

    Question Mental Diversion Program Requirements

    Hello, my name is Patrick and I'm 21 years old. I grew up in a household which consisted of my mother, sister, father, and grandmother. Starting from my earliest memories, I can remember the screaming and bickering between my mother, father, and grandmother; they never seemed to get along. Also, I can remember how my father would beat me for little things such as running around the house as little kids do or for not being able to memorize a long prayer, etc. This went on for years, up until I got the guts to fight back. When I did fight back, I was beating even harder, but I don't think that he touched me after that. Anyway, it was years later that he was suspected of a mental disorder and prescribed an anti-psychotic medication. Apparently he tried to kill himself in the bathroom, because he thought he killed my would-be older sister (she died of cancer when I was around 1 years old) - that's what my dear grandma so graciously let me know (she hates my father with a passion). Even though I grew up under such undesirable circumstances, I'm still a pretty good guy. I've never done drugs or been in trouble with the law (not until now), and I made the honor roll several times, before I dropped out in grade 11. Three years ago, I had to dropout of high school, because I was experiencing some of my own mental problems. I saw a therapist and was prescribed anti-psychotics, and later, antidepressants.

    The reason why I'm posting this is to simply give the reader some background information which will somewhat explain my recent behavior.

    About 1.5 years ago, I was charged with assaulting my grandmother. Here's what happened: There was nothing to eat (Friday) and my grandmother is known for taking groceries (which my father pays for) out of the fridge and keeping it in her room. So, I went in there and looked under her bed. Sure enough, she had a bag of oranges. She saw me take it, got angry, started yelling and calling me names, etc... I ended up getting assaulted first; she hit me twice on my back. That got me angry and so I turned around and pushed her out of the doorway with my arm with the intension of going back to my room. Well, she hit the wall and started to cry and yelling my mother's name. In turn, my mother called the police and they arrested me.

    Those charges have been sorted out.

    One year later, I was arrested again, this time for two counts of assault; assault against my father and assault against a cop - please note, that I did not assault the cop, he assaulted me by punching me in the face, because I was supposedly resisting arrest. The cop should not have behaved in that manner, but because he did, I had to be blamed (sorta as a cover). As for the assault against my father, we got into a heated argument and we started wrestling each other. Again, my mother saw this and called the cops.

    Now, due to my mental condition, I've been accepted for the mental diversion program. I'm required to meet with a psychiatrist and follow his advice. Normally, I wouldn't have a problem with this, but this is different. I'm completely uncomfortable with talking to these people about my thoughts and I will not take anymore medications. My case worker threatened to report me, because I'm not being cooperative.

    This brings me to my question: can she do this?

    To me, it seems like I'm required to meet with these people so that they can get payed and be happy. Meanwhile, I have to go through more added stress (etc). Please keep in mind that I suffer from a mental disorder (a form of schizophrenia) and I just want to be alone. It's hard enough to deal with myself, more so, when there are strangers added into the mix.

    I retained a lawyer through the legal aid system, but he's not really helpful and I don't want to go out of my way to get another one. This lawyer has told me that I can fight these charges, but there's no guarantee that anything will be dropped, so he's advised me that I should just go through the mental diversion program (by the way, I've already signed the legal aid slip for him...), and I've agreed. In the beginning I was optimistic and really put in an effort... I've come back to the same conclusion, there's no help out there.

    The point is that I've got about 1/2 an year more to go with this diversion program and that's fine, but I don't want to see anymore therapists or case workers. If I have to and I remain speechless, does that mean that I'll be denied and have to go to the trail?

    Thanks and I'm sorry about this mess.

    PS. I live in Canada.

    Regards,
    Patrick

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    It depends...
    Posts
    123

    Default Re: Growing-Up in a Dysfunctional Family

    I don't know anything about Canadian law, but common sense tells me that if you don't participate in your court ordered therapy and refuse to take your meds, then there will be undesirable consequences. Trial? Maybe. Involuntary commitment to a mental hospital? If allowed under Canadian law, possibly.

    It's never a good idea to defy court orders.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    9,096

    Default Re: Growing-Up in a Dysfunctional Family

    Usually, a mental diversion is given in lieu of the sentence normally received for your crime.

    If you refuse to abide by the terms, you can plan on receiving the typical sentence.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: Mental Diversion Program Requirements

    Patrick, this is a US based forum. For matters of Canadian law, try addressing your question here.

    Good luck.

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