We offer services under a 'section 14 application' and provide mental health treatment or a support plan which lasts up to 12 months.

Q&A:  What is a ‘section 14 application’?

A Section 14 refers to an order made under s14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW).
It enables the Local Court to divert defendants with certain psychological or cognitive conditions out of the criminal justice system.

A Section 14 application can be used by a person charged with a criminal or traffic offence to avoid a criminal record. However, the accused must prove that they suffer from a mental health impairment or cognitive impairment. If the Section 14 application is successful, then the applicant will avoid a conviction for the offence(s).

Generally, a section 14 order will require a person to comply with a mental health treatment plan. Conditions on the plan may include taking medication and regularly consulting their treating psychologist or psychiatrist. Under Section 14 of the new Act, a defendant with mental health or cognitive impairment can be released into the responsibility of another person, on the proviso they undertake a mental health treatment or support program and can last up to 12 months.