An individual diagnosed with autism who has been residing in a federal correctional facility for an extended period may soon transition to community housing, as recommended by a mental health review board in New Brunswick. The decision, made during a recent hearing for 32-year-old Devan Tidd, was backed by his treating psychiatrist at the Shepody Healing Centre, the psychiatric division of Dorchester Penitentiary.
This development follows a report by CBC News disclosing that Tidd, despite not being convicted of any offenses, was being housed in the prison environment. Tidd, who grapples with autism and various mental health conditions, was previously deemed not criminally responsible for incidents involving assault and property damage.
Despite the directive from the review board, the provincial authorities have not confirmed if they will allocate the necessary funding to facilitate Tidd’s transition to a community residence. Department of Social Development spokesperson Ariel Mackenzie refrained from commenting on individual cases but emphasized the agency’s commitment to exploring all feasible options for individuals under its care, collaborating closely with stakeholders to devise comprehensive support strategies.
Tidd’s father, Darrell Tidd, expressed optimism about the potential relocation of his son to a community setting. Devan is looking forward to everyday activities like meeting a friend for coffee at Tim Hortons and aspiring to secure part-time employment. While cautiously optimistic about the decision, Darrell Tidd opined that his son should never have been placed at Shepody initially, advocating for improved care standards.
Psychiatrist Dr. Louis Thériault reported significant progress in Devan Tidd’s recovery during his tenure at Shepody, highlighting the need for ongoing support in the community. Thériault underscored the necessity for structured living arrangements and post-care assistance for Tidd to thrive outside a correctional facility. The review board’s decision outlined stringent conditions, including regular reports from a mental health team and approval of Tidd’s housing situation, to ensure his successful integration into the community.
The review board decision also identified a specialized care home with personalized support as a potential accommodation for Tidd. CEO Jan Seely of the New Brunswick Special Care Home Association emphasized the critical need for systemic reforms in long-term care, noting the challenges faced by individuals with complex needs due to inadequate support structures.
Efforts to enhance care provision and establish robust support mechanisms for vulnerable populations are underway, according to Social Development statements. However, Seely emphasized the urgency of broader reforms in the long-term care sector to prevent recurring placement failures and address the evolving needs of marginalized individuals effectively.