Province expands mental health, substance use services for children

The B.C. government is investing $56 million into new mental health and substance use services to support children, youth and their families.

“So families don’t lose critical time when mental health and addictions treatment help is urgently needed, we’re adding new teams so young people receive seamless service at school, at home and for life,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

The integrated child and youth teams deliver wraparound supports for children, youth and their families by identifying early when a young person needs support and connecting them to specific mental health and substance use services. This model of care is meant to reduce wait times, improve health outcomes and increase engagement at school.

The multidisciplinary teams work collaboratively with young people and their families to develop and deliver a single care plan with wraparound supports. They also link young people to other services in the community such as early years services, primary care and specialized programs.

By linking together existing services in new ways and investing in new services and clinicians, the government is creating a seamless system of care from mental wellness promotion to highly specialized services. Children, youth and their families will have access to culturally safe and effective care when they need it.

Integrated child and youth teams include peer support workers, Indigenous support workers, education counsellors, and mental health and substance use clinicians. Teams will co-ordinate services and provide seamless care for children, youth and families in the community, where it is safe and comfortable for the young person.

Fifteen communities will receive enhanced services that will add capacity on the ground where it is needed most. Over $40 million and approximately 350 new full-time workers will help support B.C.’s young people, and their families, to access services early on so they will be less likely to need services down the road.

“We know many young British Columbians are experiencing stress and anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, we need to prioritize the health and well-being of our children and youth in B.C.,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. “This investment will improve access to vital services for students and families across the province and support early intervention and lifelong mental wellness.”

An additional investment of $16 million will also expand and enhance the early years mental health supports. This expansion will include hiring more than 60 new full-time family support workers, behavioural consultants and infant mental health clinicians over the next three years to help meet children’s mental health and developmental needs and set them on the path to success.

“Children and youth need a more seamless care experience, particularly when they are dealing with anxiety, pain or trauma,” said Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development. “Integrated services mean children and youth who need help won’t have to repeat their story and potentially relive trauma with multiple service providers; instead, they will have an individual care plan focused on their unique needs and a team behind them to help ensure they are supported to reach their full potential.”