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British Columbia Launches Involuntary Treatment Program for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
The inaugural beds of British Columbia’s involuntary treatment initiative are officially operational. Premier David Eby revealed that ten beds are now available at the South Fraser Pre-Trial Centre, designated to serve individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, as well as those with brain injuries.
This newly established treatment facility is focused exclusively on individuals who have engaged with the justice system.
“This is a demographic that raises significant concern; these are individuals whose struggles not only jeopardize their own well-being but also the safety of the broader community,” Eby remarked.
He added, “This creates an opportunity for us to break the cycle of people returning from community to criminal activity and then to jail repeatedly.”
Continuing Healthcare Initiatives in British Columbia
In the lead-up to last fall’s provincial election, B.C.’s NDP government committed to enhancing the application of involuntary treatment in response to rising worries regarding repeated violent offenders, many of whom face challenges related to drug addiction and mental health issues. In the past month, the government released guidance aimed at healthcare providers, detailing the circumstances under which individuals may be compelled into treatment against their will.
This framework, developed by B.C.’s chief scientific adviser on subjects like psychiatry and concurrent disorders, Dr. Daniel Vigo, stipulates that involuntary treatment is permissible in particular instances of mental impairment but is not intended to mitigate “risky decision-making” or intervene in self-harming behaviors.
On Thursday, Vigo indicated that initiating the program with this specific facility would effectively address the needs of those requiring urgent care.
“Until now, patients needing involuntary care for conditions such as severe agitation, psychosis, or mania have often found themselves waiting in segregation for extended periods, sometimes weeks, until a bed became available in a forensic hospital,” he explained.
“Now, patients will receive essential psychotherapeutic care at the moment its needed,” he continued. “This change aims to prevent harm associated with prolonged untreated agitation and psychosis. It will ensure a continuous care plan throughout their time in corrections, seamlessly integrating with community services once their correctional supervision concludes.”
Eby noted that Vigo’s research has identified approximately 2,500 individuals in the province who meet the criteria for struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and brain injuries. However, he emphasized that the immediate focus of this program will be on a significantly smaller group.
Looking ahead, the province plans to open an additional 20 beds later this spring at a facility in Maple Ridge, catering to individuals who have not been charged with any crime. Further efforts are underway to locate more sites throughout the province for similar treatment programs.
Source
globalnews.ca