File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

INVOLUNTARY CARE

Kamloops advocates, social agencies prepare for involuntary mental health and addictions care in B.C.

Sep 16, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Involuntary care for some of those living with mental health and addiction issues is coming to B.C., with both major provincial parties now on board with idea. It comes after the BC Conservatives had previously announced support for the measure and Premier David Eby made a similar statement on Sunday (Sept. 15).

“This can be done in a way that is compassionate, that’s responsible, that’s transparent, and can be effective,” said ASK Wellness Executive Officer Bob Hughes. “It just can’t be misused and it has to have the appropriate oversight.”

The new NDP policy speaks to those who are also contributing to crime and disorder in communities.

“People with addiction challenges, brain injuries and mental health issues need compassionate care and direct and assertive intervention to help them stabilize and rebuild a meaningful life,” said Eby Sunday. “This announcement is the beginning of a new phase of our response to the addiction crisis. We’re going to respond to people struggling like any family member would. We are taking action to get them the care they need to keep them safe, and in doing so, keep our communities safe, too.”

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“I don’t think that this is something that we can sustain the level of social disorder on our streets as a result of crime, homelessness and addictions,” said Hughes. “Not everybody who has this terrible addiction or struggles with mental health creates crime and has this issue, but there is a segment of the population that is so lost out there that I think we have to take this plunge.”

Addiction care advocate and member of Moms Stop the Harm Troylana Manson simply doesn’t believe involuntary care will have it’s desired effect.

“Absolutely not — and the reason is we have not addressed the reasons for why they are at this point, such as poverty, housing cost, housing availability, access to health care,” said Manson.

A vicious circle is what Manson called the current system, noting even after involuntary care, there still aren’t enough supportive services available in community. Manson believes forced care will add trauma.

“We have put the cart before the horse. We have not exhausted all other ways to help this group of people who are super vulnerable and super suffering. We’ve not done that. And then we have a shortage of places for people to go get support and services,” Manson told CFJC News.

While he stressed it won’t be a silver bullet, like many freshly announced government policies, Hughes believes the devil will be in the details, but if done correctly the model could help bring the four pillar model closer to reality.

“Seeing this being built out now with recovery beds and added enforcement, I think this is a step toward the four pillar model that I think I have been espousing the need for — some sort of framework,” added Hughes.