This study examined the use of language in the development and implementation of mental health policy. It focused on the current discourse of mental health reform in Ontario as it related to individuals with a mental illness and who are in conflict with the law. Using a qualitative design, informed by critical inquiry and a postmodern perspective, the researcher explored administrative perceptions of the accomplishments and challenges faced at different levels of the mental health and criminal justices systems in Ontario. The participants' understandings of the provincial mental health reform policy, Making it Happen, and the extent they felt that their organizations and related policies were able to create positive change in the lives of service users were also examined. While the language of mental health policy encompasses an empowerment, community integration approach to providing services, findings indicated that a biomedical-model, public safety discourse appear to inform both policy and practice. A number of questions and apparent inconsistencies in the manner in which the mental health and criminal justice systems deal with the needs of this population were also identified. This thesis concludes with recommendations for future research.

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