The Forensic Community Reintegration Unit (FCRU) is a 25-bed unit at Ontario Shores for patients on Disposition Orders from the Ontario Review Board (ORB) who require a general forensic environment.
The Forensic Outpatient Service (FOS) at Ontario Shores provides community-based treatment and rehabilitation for patients who have been discharged from Ontario Shores, but remain under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Review Board (ORB). Contact: Robin Bowerman, Manager of Forensic Operations and...
It is heartbreaking to monitor social media when a patient from Ontario Shores goes missing and the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) post a media release in an effort to inform the public and safely return the individual to hospital. I understand why the public must be alerted and the...
When is the right time for someone in the forensic mental health system to begin the process of transitioning back into the community? What privileges does a person in the forensic mental health system have access to? When can a person be discharged? In general terms, these are very difficult...
There are more than just a few myths surrounding mental health care in Ontario and the services we provide at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores). When it comes to mental illness and the treatment of it, there is an incredibly long history of silence. For decades...
I get it, it’s complicated. Mental Illness is an illness that unfortunately receives compassion only when it is convenient or easy. As a society, we get Bell Let’s Talk with all the celebrities speaking about their challenges, we have compassion for children’s mental health and maybe, to some extent...
In the ever-changing world of healthcare, Marc Barrette is an example of how the forming of non-traditional relationships, the use of technology and personal commitment can work together to positively impact recovery. And now, he is sharing his story with hopes of inspiring others. Barrette’s story...
At times, I’ve taken a step back and looked through my life to try and determine where things started to go awry. My brother’s death was a huge catalyst into the start of my mental health journey. Before his death, I’d had people die who were close to me, but they had lived long lives. The loss of...
I arrived home a couple of weeks ago and it had been one of those days. To say the least, I was more than a little down. So, I did what I always do when I need a boost. I reached for The Book. Actually, it’s called The Recovery Book. It contains hundreds of letters, cards and stories of good news...
“That first session, I had an epiphany. ‘Oh, so that’s how others see me.’ It was at that moment I committed to recovery.” It was February of 2023. It was a virtual group therapy session hosted by Ontario Shores. Just a few hours earlier, I was certain this would be yet another failed attempt to fix...
If I looked at my life 2 years in the future, I probably would be dead. I hated myself! It was a late rainy January afternoon at a Starbucks that I was going to meet her face-to-face for the first time. However, this woman helped to save my life through months of intensive online therapy. My story...
Episode 5 of the #MindVine Podcast features news, views and interviews related to mental health, mental illness and recovery. In this episode we're on site at CMHA's Mental Health For All conference. Day 3, the last day at the conference includes interviews with John Pare, Chief of Police at London...
Episode 7 features interviews with forensic outpatient and #mentalhealth advocate Brian Rose and Simcoe Reformer reporter Daniel R. Pearce, who is working on a follow up story on Brian and mental health in his community. The #MindVine podcast is hosted by Communications team members Darryl Mathers...
Episode 119 of the #MindVine #mentalhealth podcast features Dr. Elizabeth Coleman, forensic psychiatrist, and Cathy Duivesteyn, Director of the forensic mental health program. The two discuss everything forensic mental health, including NCR, passes, missing patients and recovering from complex...