Start Court

Start Court is a voluntary, therapeutic court for adults appearing before the Central Law Courts who are experiencing mental health challenges.

Rather than focusing only on legal outcomes, Start Court works to address the underlying causes of offending behaviour. Participants receive coordinated support from a multidisciplinary team spanning health and justice, with the flexibility to opt out at any time. Participation can last up to six months.

By improving health, stability and wellbeing, Start Court supports people to make positive changes — helping them reintegrate into the community and reduce future contact with the justice system.

This pathway supports people to:

• Address the drivers of offending behaviour
• Improve mental health, wellbeing and daily stability
• Reduce the likelihood of returning to the justice system
• Engage in voluntary, person‑centred and holistic support
• Benefit from coordinated health and justice responses